Sven backs Beckham
Wednesday, 18 August 2004 07:39Sven-Goran Eriksson insisted David Beckham will remain England's first-choice penalty-taker as he backed his captain to answer his Euro 2004 critics this season.
Beckham admitted he under-performed at this summer's tournament, blaming his unease amid the spotlight on his private life and having pushed too many weights for his lacklustre displays.
Eriksson agreed that he would at least consider dropping any player, including
Beckham, if he could find a better, more in-form option.
However, it was patently clear ahead of tonight's friendly against Ukraine that the England coach has no intention whatsoever of replacing the Real Madrid midfielder in the foreseeable future.
"During the last three-and-a-half years, I think we forget what David Beckham has done for England if we think he should be dropped. He's fit and hungry for the new season. If I know David then he will have been thinking over the summer as to how he can show the critics that they were wrong." said Eriksson.
Filed by Eilish Barry
