Alexander Frei has been withdrawn from the Switzerland squad to face France tonight.

Croatia’s deputy goalkeeper Tomislav Butina seems certain to start in Sunday’s Euro 2004 Group B opener against Switzerland with first-choice Stipe Pletikosa likely to be out injured.

THIERRY HENRY has paid a fulsome tribute to his Arsenal team-mates for their part in his award-winning season ahead of tonight’s Football Writers’ Association annual dinner.

RUSSIA’S new national team coach to succeed Valery Gazzayev will be appointed early next week, the country’s soccer chief said yesterday.