Beckham: Players prefer 4-4-2

David Beckham has reiterated that the England players prefer the 4-4-2 formation.

Captain David Beckham has reiterated that the England players prefer the 4-4-2 formation.

Sven Goran Eriksson tested a tactical plan involving a holding midfielder in the win against Hungary, presumably suggesting he will opt for a more defensive system if England come up against one of the top nations in the World Cup finals.

The Swede is set to revert to a more traditional 4-4-2 against Jamaica at Old Trafford on Saturday and Beckham prefers this way of playing.

"I think, through my career, I've played mainly 4-4-2 and mainly with England as well," he said on Sky Sports News.

"As I've said, we have to have that other option.

"I'm sure if you asked every other player and manager, their preferred option would be 4-4-2 but, as I've said, you come up against different teams with different formations and have to play differently."

Eriksson admits he listens to the players' opinions about tactics and knows what his plans are for Germany.

"On purpose, we wanted to play different systems during the build-up games because we think we need two different systems because of the shape we are in with injuries," said the England coach on Sky Sports News. "But also who are we going to play is why we do it.

"It's important to listen to the players. They are the ones going out to do the work and the job on the pitch.

"If they're confident about it, they will do a better job than if they are less confident."