Beckham fit for Argentina

June 4, 2002

Sven-Goran Eriksson has insisted David Beckham will definitely play for England against Argentina on Friday.

But the coach has hinted he may make other changes to his team, following the disappointing 1-1 draw with Sweden.

Beckham was only able to play for 62 minutes in Saitama, after missing eight weeks with a broken foot.

The Manchester United midfielder was not at his dominant best and appeared to be struggling with the pace of the game.

But at a news conference back at England's World Cup base on Awaji Island, Eriksson insisted he was happy with his captain's progress and confirmed there had been no reaction to the foot injury.

"The foot is OK, but David needs match fitness," Eriksson said on Monday.

"He did well for 35 to 40 minutes and was tired, and that was why he came off.

"Things certainly didn't get any better for us when he came off but it might have been dangerous to let him stay on.

"Now hopefully we will get more than an hour from him on Friday. He can only get better and better from now on."

Eriksson is also confident there will be no hangover from Beckham's sending off against Argentina after his clash with Diego Simeone in France 98.

"I don't think anything will be left over from that. It is history now," he continued.

"I know Beckham and Diego Simeone very well. They are both very good footballers and both very professional."

The England coach confirmed he is pondering changes for England's second game, with Emile Heskey likely to revert to an attacking role alongside Michael Owen.

Kieron Dyer and Nicky Butt will also be considered for midfield places.

"There may be small changes. We haven't decided yet. We have two or three more training sessions, then decide on the team and start the tactical work.

"But I know we can play much better than we did against Sweden.

"I would say to the nation that the English are famous for never giving up, so we should not give up on the World Cup after drawing our first match."

BBC Sport Online