Post by Taxigirl on May 30, 2004 11:07:42 GMT
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/england/3761495.stm
Paul Scholes fears he will lose his place in England's team for Euro 2004 to in-form Frank Lampard.
The Manchester United man, 29, has not scored for England in three years, while Lampard was voted second-best player in the Premiership this season.
Scholes said: "I'm in the team to score goals and if I'm not doing that I know there's a chance I won't be picked.
"I know I've had a good run in the team without scoring and Frank has had a great season for Chelsea."
Scholes, prolific for England from midfield before his three-year drought, added: "I know I'm not expected to get as many goals as the strikers but I am expected to score.
"If that's not happening, I'm not contributing as much as I should be to the team.
"It's not just about me either. When there are players like Frank Lampard having a great season, they probably deserve to be given a place in the starting line-up.
"If the manager picked him instead of me, I would wish Frank all the best because I've not done what I should be doing for England.
"I have to think I could be dropped. Players like Frank are having a great season and deserve to be given a chance."
Scholes has found support, however, from his former Manchester United team-mate David Beckham.
The England captain said: "He's the one the Real Madrid players always ask me about. It's quite unbelievable he hasn't scored for England for so long, but I'm sure he'll put that right next month."
Meanwhile, Arsenal defender Ashley Cole has admitted he is keen to improve his form for England.
"I've still got to prove to everyone I'm good enough for England but I can't put my finger on why I don't play well at international level," said Cole.
"But I'm working hard on my defensive play and picking the right time to go forward - not attacking at stupid times.
"My confidence is high so this could be my tournament."
Sven-Goran Eriksson's England meet France on 13 June in their opening Group B match.
Paul Scholes fears he will lose his place in England's team for Euro 2004 to in-form Frank Lampard.
The Manchester United man, 29, has not scored for England in three years, while Lampard was voted second-best player in the Premiership this season.
Scholes said: "I'm in the team to score goals and if I'm not doing that I know there's a chance I won't be picked.
"I know I've had a good run in the team without scoring and Frank has had a great season for Chelsea."
Scholes, prolific for England from midfield before his three-year drought, added: "I know I'm not expected to get as many goals as the strikers but I am expected to score.
"If that's not happening, I'm not contributing as much as I should be to the team.
"It's not just about me either. When there are players like Frank Lampard having a great season, they probably deserve to be given a place in the starting line-up.
"If the manager picked him instead of me, I would wish Frank all the best because I've not done what I should be doing for England.
"I have to think I could be dropped. Players like Frank are having a great season and deserve to be given a chance."
Scholes has found support, however, from his former Manchester United team-mate David Beckham.
The England captain said: "He's the one the Real Madrid players always ask me about. It's quite unbelievable he hasn't scored for England for so long, but I'm sure he'll put that right next month."
Meanwhile, Arsenal defender Ashley Cole has admitted he is keen to improve his form for England.
"I've still got to prove to everyone I'm good enough for England but I can't put my finger on why I don't play well at international level," said Cole.
"But I'm working hard on my defensive play and picking the right time to go forward - not attacking at stupid times.
"My confidence is high so this could be my tournament."
Sven-Goran Eriksson's England meet France on 13 June in their opening Group B match.