Nicky Butt (left) could join David Beckham in midfield |
England captain David Beckham has made a staunch defence of the side ahead of Wednesday's crucial clash with Turkey. Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson and the players came in for considerable critcism following a tame 2-0 win over Liechtenstein on Saturday.
And Beckham has vehemently denied England lack passion and motivation as they prepare for Wednesday's Euro 2004 Group Seven tie at Sunderland.
"I am insulted," said Beckham of the claim.
"I am England captain and when people say that the passion is not there it doesn't affect me, but it annoys me.
"It's a mistake to say the team lack passion. We are quieter than guys like Tony Adams and Paul Ince, but we are no less passionate about playing for our country."
 It's the biggest game of the group, especially for us |
Eriksson has a fully fit squad to select from for what is England's most important game since the World Cup quarter-final against Brazil. Beckham, Kieron Dyer and Sol Campbell have all recovered from minor injuries to take their place in the squad.
And Rio Ferdinand returned after giving evidence at the trial of another man accused of attempted rape in a case at Leeds Crown Court.
Campbell is expected to replace Gareth Southgate in the heart of defence.
Dyer could be left out of the starting line-up if Eriksson decides to push Paul Scholes further forward and bring Nicky Butt into a deep midfield role.
"All of our players know this is a really big game," said Eriksson. "We can't fail if we want to win the group."
"There are many games still to play, including one more game in Turkey. But to make life easier, it would be good to win, it would be very good." Eriksson insisted he would not be changing his coaching style despite claims he struggles to motivate his players.
The Swede said it was too late for him to alter his studious approach despite Gareth Southgate's complaints that the England dressing room was too quiet.
"If you want someone shouting you have to make a change because that's never been my style.
"At my age it's not easy and I have no intention to change my character; I couldn't do it."
Beckham was full of praise for Eriksson and insisted the coach had no need to alter his style.
"He's extremely good at handling players and making them feel special leading up to a game. That for me makes him a good manager.
"For me, he's one of the best around. I heard he's not very passionate but believe me he is one of the most passionate managers I've had manage me."
Beckham admitted England cannot afford to slip up against in-form Turkey.
"It's the biggest game of the group, especially for us - they've been playing well. They're top of the group and they've got nothing to lose.
"We said that at the start of the week - everyone was talking about the Turkey game being the big one and we're all up for it."
MMIX
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