Beckham hails strike force

David Beckham believes England boast enough quality in attack to be able to field any of their strikers and still beat Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday.


Following his explosive start to the season many have called for Fabio Capello to start with Jermain Defoe instead of the effective Emile Heskey alongside Wayne Rooney.

However Beckham is confident the team can overcome Croatia whoever the Italian decides to select up front, with Carlton Cole also impressing in training.

The LA Galaxy midfielder did add that it was of huge benefit to have someone of Defoe's calibre waiting to be called upon when needed.

"He (Defoe) is always going to catch people's attention," Beckham said on Sky Sports News.

"Emile's playing well, Wayne's playing well, and Carlton Cole is playing well so there is always a chance that any of those players will step in and start or come in and take their chance like Jermain has done in the last couple of games and he will continue to do that. We're lucky to have that."

Beckham admitted that England were not at their best against Slovenia on Saturday but insisted that the main point was that the team won and everyone came through the test unscathed.

"That's what these games are for to lead up to the big game on Wednesday," he added.
"It was important we got the win. Just because you're playing in a friendly game you still want to win these games and perform in these games.

"There were times when we didn't play as well as we can, the players know that, but it was a good warm-up game and it was important that no-one got injured."

Contrary to what some squad players have said the 34-year-old was adamant that Wednesday's game would not be about gaining revenge for the 3-2 defeat against Croatia almost two years ago, a result which cost England a place at Euro 2008.

"We had negative thoughts back then and we had them for a few months after but that's not what this game on Wednesday is about," he declared.

"It's not about revenge, it's not about putting to rest what happened the last time we played Croatia (at Wembley). It was a tough time for the players, for everyone involved with the England national team and the fans.

"I'm sure the fans will want us to beat them on the revenge side but the most important thing for us is that if we win we are in the World Cup finals and trust me that's all the players and the management staff are thinking about."

Despite looking defensively frail against Holland at the start of the season and then again against Slovakia at the weekend Beckham stated that the squad could not be heading into the clash in better form.

"I think it's (the team) a lot more confident," he pointed out.

"Form wise we can't get any better with the way the players are playing for their clubs and the way they're training here so form wise we're at the top.

"But we still know there is a big job to be done. This is not going to be an easy game on Wednesday but we know that if we win we are through to the World Cup finals and that's the incentives for us as players."