Eriksson issues Beckham defence
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-03-30 09:33

Sven-Goran Eriksson has issued a staunch defence of England captain David Beckham.

England manager Sven Goran-Eriksson (L) watches David Beckham. Eriksson named an unchanged side to face Azerbaijan in Wednesday's European zone Group Six World Cup qualifying match. [AFP]

The Real Madrid midfielder has received widespread criticism for his recent performances in an England shirt despite his side standing on top of their World Cup qualifying group.

Indeed, many have suggested that the England skipper is in the side for commercial reasons rather than on merit.

However, England boss Eriksson has insisted that Beckham is included in the team for "footballing reasons" only.

Eriksson, who has named an unchanged side for the clash with Azerbaijan, said: "I think David Beckham is still an extremely good football player. He is very important for us.

"I feel embarrassed always when I have to talk about whether he should be in the squad, whether he should be in the team, whether he should be the captain.

"He is in the squad, he's in the team and he's the captain - and that's it.

Close

Guess who? Diego Maradona! England ready for duel with Azeris Ref's decision sparks fury

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
Millions click "no" to Japan's UNSC bid         KMT leader: Taiwan people seek peace         Work on new Olympic stadium begins         Yuanmingyuan lake bed project questioned         Chinese warned against Kyrgyzstan travel         Indonesia quake toll stands at 330, may rise	China lose to Ireland 1-0 in friendly       Williams routs local teenager Liang 5-0       Snooker: Prodigy Ding qualifies for China Open       Volleyball conference draws debate       Schumacher looking forward to new Ferrari       Dent upsets Coria at Key Biscayne