David Beckham insists the England players will not let themselves become distracted by speculation over who may succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as manager of the national team.
Eriksson will leave the post after this summer's World Cup finals in Germany
and Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick will turn his attention
to finding the Swede's successor after tomorrow's friendly against Uruguay at
Anfield.
Eriksson believes the FA should find their man before the finals kick off, but
his captain said: 'To be honest I haven't got a feeling on when it should be
announced. It's not up to me or the players. It's up to the FA when they decide
to release it really.
'There's been enough talk about it last month. We can't allow it to be a
distraction because the team have to concentrate on the football.'
Beckham was substituted during Real Madrid's defeat by Mallorca on Sunday with a
back injury - but the England captain reported he has no doubts he will be fit
for tomorrow's match.
'It's much better this morning. I had a good sleep and a massage last
night,' said the midfielder, who hopes England can reproduce the form shown in
their last match - the 3-2 friendly win over Argentina in Geneva last November.
'After the last friendly that's the standard we have got to set in these
matches, especially leading up to the competition. It's the biggest competition
in the world and we should be performing like that in every friendly.'
Beckham's future at club level could be uncertain following the resignation of
Madrid president Florentino Perez last night.
Perez was responsible for taking the former Manchester United star to the
Bernabeu, and Beckham told Sky Sports News: 'It was a surprise, to be honest,
because I only heard late last night.
'I want to thank Florentino, because he gave me the chance to play for such a
huge club. I will always have fond memories of him. Some of the players he
brought in are amazing, and he has to be congratulated.
'The club have already expressed their feelings in wanting me to stay a few
more years. I want to stay at Real Madrid - but we'll see.'
Beckham insists Eriksson still has the backing of his England players despite
the controversy surrounding the `fake Sheikh' sting revelations - when the Swede
made unguarded comments about several England players including Beckham, Michael
Owen, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand.
When asked what impact the article had on morale in the England dressing room,
Beckham replied: 'None whatsoever. The players just want to play football -
and, of course, we stand by our manager.
'We know he is leaving, but we stick by him. He has our full support as
players.
'In a big competition like this if we don't stick together then we won't win
anything.'
Beckham is happy with his current condition - 'fitness-wise it's probably the
best I've felt for three years' - and had words of sympathy for injured England
team-mates Ashley Cole and Alan Smith.
Arsenal full-back Cole suffered a setback on his comeback, while Smith is
facing a long spell on the sidelines after suffering a broken leg and dislocated
ankle.
'It's unfortunate for Ash. He's had a few setbacks, but I am sure he will
come back from this. I've heard that it is just bruising,' Beckham told Sky
Sports News.
'I've also `texted' Alan Smith a couple of times. He'll come back because
he's mentally and physically strong. He's one of the bravest players I've ever
played with or against.'
Beckham is optimistic about England's prospects in Germany, adding: 'We've
got a good mix of young players and experienced players and amazing fans. We are
ready for it - and if we work hard and get a bit of luck along the way then who
knows.'
