Sven backing Beckham 100

Eriksson keen to see former skipper reach milestone

By Rob Parrish   Last updated: 25th January 2008

Eriksson Beckham

Beckham: Eriksson backing

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Former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson has backed Sir Alex Ferguson's calls for David Beckham to be handed his 100th England cap.

Eriksson made Beckham his captain during his stint in charge of the national team and believes reaching the milestone in the friendly international against Switzerland at Wembley next month would be a fitting tribute.

New England manager Fabio Capello will name his squad for the game next Saturday and has given few indications as to who will be selected.

Service

Eriksson said: "I would agree 100 per cent with Sir Alex. He deserves his 100th cap, of course he does, simply for the service he has given.

"I don't want to interfere with Capello, but David deserves to play in the team, and not just because it will be his 100th cap.

"Even if he is in America I think he can still fight for his place in the team, certainly his right foot is no worse than it used to be!"

Eriksson believes Beckham could even surpass Bobby Moore's record as the most-capped outfield player, with England's 1966 World Cup winning captain making 108 appearances.

"I think so, why not?" added Eriksson. "But then I've not seen him play for a while. The fact the league (Major League Soccer) starts in March is a handicap for him.

"Hopefully he will start by winning his 100th cap. He absolutely deserves that."

Long contract

There have been reports linking Beckham with a possible move to Newcastle and working with another former England manager, Kevin Keegan.

If Beckham did become available, Keegan could find himself in a tussle with Eriksson for his signature.

"I've never thought about that, but if he wants to come here then I would say 'yes, come'," smiled Eriksson.

"But I can't see him coming back to England. I think he will finish his career in the United States.

"He has a long contract and he is very keen to make football more popular in America. If someone can do it, then it is him."