Beckham backs Sven to get it right
Under-fire Sven-Goran Eriksson has received the backing of David Beckham who is optimistic it will be “third time lucky” when England strive for glory in the 2006 World Cup finals.
Eriksson has come in for heavy criticism in recent weeks after the inept performance in Denmark and an unconvincing victory over Wales in Cardiff in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier with a new-look 4-5-1 system.
But Beckham is adamant Eriksson is still the right man to carry the hopes of the nation on his shoulders in Germany next summer after falling at the quarter-final hurdle in the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004.
Beckham, who will lead England out against Northern Ireland, said: “This is the manager’s third tournament in charge and, for me, it could be third time lucky. The players are confident in the manager and that’s the most important thing.
“He has got confidence in the team he picks and the squad he has at his disposal and we are all together.
“Yes, we have been disappointed where we have come in the last two big competitions, when we went out in the last eight, but hopefully this will be the one we can go further in. That’s what we are looking for.”
Beckham defended Eriksson’s decision to alter formations in the Millennium Stadium when Wayne Rooney was employed as the only out-and-out striker. He believes it is vital to have the know-how to be able to change tactics in mid-match.
He said: “Different formations are important to have at the disposal of top teams especially in the big competitions.
“We came up against Wales on Saturday but maybe we will come up against Brazil, Germany or Argentina where we do have to change our formation when maybe things aren’t working with 4-4-2.
“By trying out things in other games, then the manager will have got some ideas for different formations if they are required and that’s what big teams have to have.”
Beckham will forever be judged by his stunning display in leading England to the 2002 World Cup finals against Greece at Old Trafford nearly four years ago.
It is a level of performance he is determined to attain again but points out that England now have an abundance of talent to call on when such heroics are demanded again in the future.
Beckham said: “I play for Real Madrid so people expect a high level and that’s hopefully what I produce week in and week out because the manager keeps playing me.
“The manager here also seems happy with my performances because I am still in the team. I don’t think he just sticks me in the team because I’m captain which some people have suggested.
“I would like to think I can get to that level as shown against Greece again. Every game I go into I like to perform to the highest level I can. Every game is different although I am not sure whether there will be another game like that.
“But in our team now we have got incredible talent that can win us a game like that with the likes of Rooney, Owen, Gerrard, Wright-Phillips, Joe Cole etc.”
Beckham has come in for criticism from the likes of Terry Butcher and Alan Hansen who believe facing Wales was not a true test of whether he can cope with a new central midfield role.
But the 30-year-old is confident he would be able to handle the greater demands placed on him by teams of more ability if he stays in that position.
Beckham said: “Whatever position I am in, I will play it to the best of my ability and I enjoyed the time in the middle on Saturday.
“I never will be a Claude Makelele or Roy Keane because they are stoppers. I am not like that. But if I am still in the position, I will work hard to get to a level like that.
“Even if I am pressurised, I believe I have got the ability to get out of situations. I have always had the belief in my own ability.”
