Butt the Key for England

By Nick Raynor
February 12 2005

England head-coach Sven Goran Eriksson insists Nicky Butt’s fitness will decide whether England play a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2 against Northern Ireland.

4-3-3 proved ineffective in England’s recent friendly against Holland where it ended 0-0 on a dull night.

 

Nicky Butt has spent a long time on the sidelines at St. James Park but is close to recovery and the England coach is hoping he will be fit for the World Cup Qualifier against N.Ireland next month.

 

Eriksson said:

 

"I know Nicky Butt is the natural sitting midfielder but he's been out for a long time.''