Beckham back in good books
Sven-Goran Eriksson insisted David Beckham had answered his Euro 2004 critics in the best possible manner - by inspiring England to a morale-boosting 3-0 victory against Ukraine.
By his own admission, Beckham endured "four average games" in Portugal, blaming too many work-outs with weights, as well as the spotlight on his private life, for his loss of form and fitness.
However, after a summer spent resting with his family, he re-emerged with a point to prove at St James' Park last night.
Eriksson declared: "You can't expect him to be the best for England every time, but this was a very good answer from him.
"For 90 per cent of the games in the past three-and-a-half years for England, he has been one of our best players.
"If he's not the best on the pitch, he's criticised and I have never understood that. You cannot expect a player to be number one on the pitch every time. But I'm pleased for him."
