LIVE BBC COVERAGE England v Liechtenstein Wed 10 Sept, KO 2000 BST Live on Match of the Day BBC TV football coverage

But Eriksson has decided to take a chance and play the England skipper, even though Beckham will be suspended for the crucial final qualifier against Turkey in October if he picks up a booking on Wednesday.

Sol Campbell and Steven Gerrard are in the same position of needing to avoid a caution or sit out the Turkey game.

"I thought about (resting the three players) but we'll see who I pick," said Eriksson at a news conference he cut short due to heavy rain.

"I have to be careful but they need to be even more careful on the pitch because we can't afford any more yellow cards - it would be stupid.

"Sometimes you take stupid cards like kicking the ball away, talking to the referee or making a silly tackle in midfield - we have to be aware of that."

Beckham admitted he had been offered the chance to sit out the game but will definitely play.

"It was discussed because there are three or four players on yellow cards so that was put to us and put to me but I'd rather play to be honest," he said.

"There are certain challenges I'll have to hold back on and certain situations I would normally get involved in that I'll have to avoid."

It's nice to play back at Old Trafford so quickly after the move David Beckham

The fit-again Gerrard also admitted he will be desperately trying to avoid picking up a booking that would rule him out of the decider in Istanbul.

"I have got to be very careful if I am selected on Wednesday night. I will have to approach the game different to usual," said Gerrard.

"I'm not sure if the manager is definitely going to play me. If I am selected I will decide how I am going to play, but I won't be making any silly challenges."

With Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Trevor Sinclair already ruled out with injury it is thought both Beckham and Gerrard will start the must-win game.

Butt has remained with the squad and was able to practice but is not fit to play against Liechtenstein.

I wouldn't start with Beckham or Gerrard and bring them on only if necessary From Anna Have your say on 606

"He has an ankle problem and I think for him, United and England it would be stupid to let him play in a game like this - he's not 100% fit," Eriksson added.

Beckham will be returning to Old Trafford for the first time since his �25m move from Man Utd to Real Madrid.

"It's nice to play back so quickly after the move," he added.

"It would be great to go back and score a goal, but the most important thing is to get the win and go over to Turkey and do what we have to."