Euro 2008

By Sonia Oxley

VIENNA, June 3 (Reuters) - The goals have dried up for Milan Baros since the Czech Republic striker was top scorer at Euro 2004, leading the media to question his place in the team at this year's tournament.

Baros struck five times in Portugal four years ago but has not scored for his country since March 2007.

The 26-year-old has always seemed to perform better for his country than his clubs, hitting 31 goals in 64 appearances for the Czechs, but his recent lack of firepower has become a big talking point in his homeland.

"After Euro 2004 he was the idol of the nation. Because of his popularity he could barely go outside," the daily Blesk wrote last week.

"The situation ahead of Euro 2008? You are hearing more and more it is time for him to shift from the starting XI to the substitutes."

Another newspaper, Dnes, wrote: "If it depended on form the best striker of Euro 2004 would not have a place in the lineup".

Coach Karel Brueckner has been criticised by local media for sticking with Baros, who ended last season on loan at English FA Cup winners Portsmouth, and not allowing others to stake a claim to partner all-time Czech top scorer Jan Koller.

First in the queue for a chance is Vaclav Sverkos, top scorer in the Czech championship last season.

The 24-year-old Banik Ostrava player made his international debut in a warmup match against Lithuania last Tuesday and also featured in Friday's friendly against Scotland.

Brueckner hinted last week he would play Baros in a supporting role behind Koller at the June 7-29 Euro finals.

The Czechs meet co-hosts Switzerland in the opening match in Basel on Saturday.

Portugal and Turkey are the other teams in Group A.