David Beckham admits England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is under increasing pressure to succeed after his recent personal problems and a poor Euro 2004. England face Ukraine in a pre-World Cup qualifying friendly on Wednesday and Beckham knows the expectation is there.
"If you don't succeed then you're criticised and that's the way it is, that's football," said captain Beckham.
"It's not a nice situation to be in but we all respect Sven and that's all we look at. We just want to win the game."
Beckham also believes Eriksson's affair with FA secretary Faria Alam and the subsequent resignation of chief executive Mark Palios will not affect the team.
He added: "We need to play, he needs to manage and we will just get on with it.
"I think the manager realises the respect that he's got from the whole team, including me.
"We only care what he does when we meet up with England. That's what we respect him for - the way he is to the players.
"We were all disappointed after the summer as we felt that we could go a lot further than we did but it wasn't meant to be.
"We have to look forward now and look to qualify for the World Cup."
Beckham admitted his form in Portugal was below his usual high standards and admitted both he and Eriksson must focus on qualification.
"You have to get over it. The future is now all about qualifying for the 2006 World Cup.
"I had four average games during the tournament but my form has been good in pre-season and I'm looking forward to the new season.
"I want to play for England as long as I'm wanted and be captain as long as I am wanted.
"If you play well, you enjoy what people say about you. If you don't play well, then you have to accept what is said about you as well.
"You have to be strong enough to take it. I know that I'm strong enough to take it and move on.
"I'm sure the manager is too after everything that he has been through."
MMIX
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I think the manager realises the respect that he's got from the whole team, including me 
