Eriksson Backs Becks
Friday, November 26, 2004

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has backed his under-fire captain David Beckham to rediscover his best form.

Midfielder Beckham received particular criticism for his display against Barcelona last weekend, when Real Madrid lost 3-0, and for a below-par display in England's 1-0 friendly defeat against Spain in the Bernabeu a few days earlier.

But Eriksson told reporters: "Against Barcelona, the whole team played badly.

"In the last game, against Bayer Leverkusen, he played well in the first half. That's what my scout said and then he was taken off as he was knocked out. He didn't remember what had happened.

"But it will happen for him. I can't believe that he's finished as a football player and he's not. I'm quite sure about that.

"Playing at Real Madrid today, when they're struggling a bit, the expectations are that they should win every game 5-0. They're not doing that and it's difficult for all the players. You have to look at that as well."

Eriksson plans a personal meeting with Beckham in the near future.

"I will go out to see him before next February, although I haven't decided when yet," he said. "I didn't speak to him after the game in Spain but I will do in the new year. I am going to talk to him of course."

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