Beckham To Play In Midfield
Friday, September 3, 2004

England captain David Beckham is content to play in central midfield in the World Cup qualifier against Austria on Saturday.

Steven Gerrard, who usually occupies the spot for both club and country, is rated doubtful with a groin injury sustained during training on Thursday.

England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson will make a decision on whether the Liverpool man can play by Saturday lunchtime, but has revealed that one option would be to play Beckham in a central role with Manchester City starlet Shaun Wright-Phillips slotting on the right.

For his part, Beckham sees no problem with that switch.

"I play there for Real Madrid so I'm used to that position," he said.

"As long as I'm in the 11 it doesn't matter, if that happens to be in the middle I'm more than comfortable and capable of playing in that position. But we will have to wait and see."

The 29-year-old also spoke of the positive nature of the age drop in the England squad.

"It's a good thing to have young players coming into the team.

"Shaun Wright-Phillips is showing he can do it for Manchester City and for England.

"Everyone's confident and that if he comes into this World Cup qualifier he will perform."

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