There have even been suggestions that Beckham should no longer be guaranteed an automatic spot in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side.

But Eriksson and the supporters have stayed loyal to the Real Madrid midfielder who was again given a rousing reception during Wednesday’s low-key friendly with Holland at Villa Park.

Beckham said: “Of course, there was extra pressure in the sense of what was being said about me and I don’t think the criticism has been unfair.

“If you play well, then you take the good things that are said about you so you’ve got to accept what is said if you are playing badly.

“Sometimes it is slightly harsh but when you are performing at a high level, that’s what you have got to take.

“But I didn’t feel under any pressure myself because you know this is what I love doing. I love playing football for England. I go out there and enjoy myself.

“The support of the fans really means a lot to me. Things do get said about you and maybe that can turn fans.

“But the backing of the England fans towards me has been amazing to me for the last five years or so and I hope that continues.

“I’ve also had the same sort of support from the Madrid fans for the past two seasons and I’m grateful for that as well.”

Beckham has been far happier with his performances in recent weeks for Madrid and admits his confidence is high.

He said: “For the last four weeks in Madrid I’ve been happy. I didn’t really step back and look at my performances but I just worked harder in training.

“With the new manager at Madrid coming in, he’s given all the players a lot of confidence. We are playing really good football and that helps any team and any player.

“The last three or four weeks in Madrid have been a lot better for me, a lot more positive. I’m in a slightly different position. We play a diamond position where I’m slightly out on the right and it’s good.

“But I enjoy playing in the middle, I enjoy playing on the right. I can cross balls like I can when I’m on the right but I still feel I’m effective in the middle.”

Beckham is quick to hail the performances of fellow midfielder Frank Lampard who has been named England Player Of The Year for 2004.

He said: “I think Frank is possibly the most improved player that I’ve played with for the last two years.

“He has been unbelievable for Chelsea and for England. The praise he is getting is incredible and he deserves it because he has worked hard at his game and when you work hard, then you deserve the praise.

“Is he on a level with the guys at Madrid in midfield? It is hard to say because I don’t play with Frank week-in and week-out, but he is at a level now from which he can go higher. He is at a level now at which he deserves the praise he is going.

“On Wednesday I played with two of the best young midfield players in Europe in Frank and Steven Gerrard and I’m lucky to do the same sort of thing at Madrid week-in and week-out.”