Dutch lose Overmars

Marc Overmars, the Dutch right- winger, has been ruled out of the European Championship finals with a knee injury. The unlucky 22-year- old will also have to watch as his club, Ajax, continue their defence of the European Cup.

Overmars - who has been attracting interest from Manchester United - tore ligaments in his left knee after slipping on the icy pitch during Ajax's 1-0 home win over De Graafschap Doetinchem on Wednesday in the Dutch league.

Overmars' absence could force the Netherlands, who are grouped with hosts England, Scotland and Switzerland, to rethink their strategy. The only other right-winger who could be considered is Feyenoord's Gus Taument. However, he is injured and unlikely to play before April. Byran Roy, the Nottingham Forest striker, could be recalled, but he is also injured.

n Overmars' Ajax team-mate, Patrick Kluivert, is to be prosecuted for causing death by dangerous driving following a fatal accident in September. The 19-year-old striker faces one year in jail, a fine and a five-year driving ban if found guilty. He has already admitted speeding.