By Adrian Curtis
Soccernet
Diego Simeone insists that David Beckham was not to blame for England's World Cup exit in France two years ago.
The Argentine midfielder will face Manchester United's controversial star at Wembley tomorrow for the first time at international level since their now infamous clash in St Etienne during France 98. Simeone was accused of getting the United midfielder sent off by play acting after Beckham had kicked out as he lay on the floor.
The England star - who was at the centre of more controversy at the weekend following his bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson at United's training ground and subsequent absence from the team at Leeds - was pilloried by English fans on his return home from the unsuccessful campaign.
Simeone, then with Internazionale, made his peace with Beckham at club level last March when they swapped shirts in the Old Trafford tunnel following their Champions League meeting. Now he insists that blame for England's exit should fall on the players who missed the all-important penalties in the tense shootout. Simeone said: 'England found someone to blame in David Beckham but he didn't even take any penalties. He should not have got the blame for it.'
However, although being aware of his recent problems at United, the Argentine believes Beckham should not move to Italy.
Simeone, who joined Lazio last summer, added: 'The level of pressure under which he lives is quite normal because he is a great player on the world scene.
'He will have to live with it because that is the way it is. But it wouldn't change anything if he was in Italy or elsewhere. The pressure on a player of his stature is normal in any country in the world. It is always high because he is so great.'
Meanwhile, the debate over why Beckham failed to turn up for training at United on Friday is raging on. It was being reported today that his wife Victoria went out shopping during the day while the player was at home looking after his ill son Brooklyn. That evening she then attended the London Fashion Awards.
The Posh Spice camp claimed yesterday that the baby was so ill early on Friday morning that Beckham was not able to attend training two days before the biggest league game of the season and phoned United to say he would not be there. But this was dismissed by Ferguson who, Soccernet understands, believes no efforts were made to contact the club.
England boss Kevin Keegan coach gave Beckham a vote of confidence yesterday by promising to play him in the player's favoured central midfield role - but Simeone believes Keegan's choice will not get the best out of the United star.
He added: 'In my opinion, Beckham is better put to use on the wing where he is renowned for his perfect crosses into the centre. 'Playing in front of their home crowd, England will want revenge for previous encounters. The team which played in France 98 was one of the best they have ever put out. I was surprised Glenn Hoddle was sacked.
'We will be doing our best to win because we have never done that at Wembley. Kevin Phillips is the novelty for us. He is a new player. He is in form and proof that England have other good strikers apart from Michael Owen.'
