Beckham happy with central role in England's future
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-09-05 09:26

LONDON, Sept 4 (Reuters) - England captain David Beckham says he is happy to carry on as a central midfielder against Northern Ireland next week after revelling in the role against Wales.

Beckham, who has spent nearly all his career on the right wing, was brought inside for the new 4-5-1 line-up England used in Saturday's stilted 1-0 World Cup qualifying win.

"I enjoyed it," said Beckham, who was able to use his pinpoint long passes to find wingers Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joe Cole, along with lone striker Wayne Rooney.

"You get more of the ball in the middle and I enjoy that, getting on the ball and playing different passes like the ones to Wrighty, Joe and Wayne."

Beckham, who has often played inside for Real Madrid, also pointed out the benefit of his holding role to central defenders Rio Ferdinand and Jamie Carragher.

"It gives an extra defence to the centre-halves as well," he said. "Rio said he thought it was a lot steadier and a lot more comfortable, and if that's what that role can give the two centre-halves then it's great.

"Defending isn't the best part of my game but I'm more than capable of playing it."

Asked if it could become his long-term role for England, Beckham said: "Maybe. I'm comfortable playing football, passing the ball and that role gives me a lot of satisfaction.

"That's what's good about that position for me. Between me, Carra and Rio, there's always a triangle and they can find me, and then I can find someone else."

Beckham could play in the centre in Belfast on Wednesday when England will look to keep the pressure on Group Six leaders Poland, who are two points ahead after playing a game more.

Assuming they qualify, Beckham believes England need an alternative to the standard 4-4-2 line-up which Eriksson uses in a team that rarely changes personnel.

"I think it's important to have a settled team and a settled squad," said the skipper.

"But when you're going into a major competition and you're coming up against different world-class teams, to have different options and formations is important.

"I'm sure the manager has got his preferred formation but to have the different formations is good."

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