"WE CAN WIN WORLD CUP" - BECKHAM
Saturday, Sep 04, 2004
Becks Upbeat
DAVID Beckham insists his belief in his ability to win a major trophy with England remains as strong as ever despite their quarter-final exits at the past two tournaments.
Beckham - who leads his country in a World Cup qualifier against Austria tonight - accepts this is likely to be his final chance to lift the trophy as he will be 35 by the time of the tournament in 2010.
However, despite admitting England had not lived up to expectations this summer, he has still kept faith in their ability to triumph in Germany in two years' time.
"Maybe my legs will keep going for a few years more, but maybe this will be my last World Cup and the last chance to win something at a competition as big as that," accepted Beckham.
"I'd still like to believe that I can win something with my country. Of course if I get to the end of my career and I haven't, I'd be disappointed.
Becks Belief
"I wouldn't see it as a failure as I've done so much and won so much in my career. But it would be one thing missing."
England have reached the quarter-finals in Japan and Portugal only to lose to a side managed by Luiz Felipe Scolari on each occasion.
That has raised question marks as to whether this squad are good enough to get past the last-eight stage.
"I suppose it's a fair question as we haven't gone as far in the past two competitions as we were expected to or had said we could," said Beckham.
"With the talent we've got in the team, we should get further in competitions but hopefully it will be our year in 2006. We go into this competition believing that we can do it."
Asked if past experiences had shaken his belief, Beckham insisted: "Not at all. I'm not lying when I sit here and say that I believe we can win a competition.
"I believe we can and that we have the squad to. We haven't yet, but I hope the World Cup will be the time.
"We can make it different this time. Hopefully we can go all the way in this one.
Determined...
"We don't like making excuses as, if you get knocked out of a competition, then you're going to get criticised and we understand that.
"You do need a certain amount of luck, but the strength of the squad is very good and it's a very young squad and it's an exciting time."
Meanwhile, Beckham has vowed to emulate his idol Bryan Robson in leading by example as England captain if he is asked to replace Steven Gerrard at the heart of Sven-Goran Eriksson's midfield tomorrow.
Gerrard has been rated at 50-50 because of a groin injury and Beckham said: "We hope Steve is fit, but I do play in that central role for Real Madrid and I feel comfortable there.
"I want to lead by example as captain, like Bryan Robson in fighting for every ball. Even if I'm not playing well or scoring free-kicks, I still work hard."
Up front Alan Smith is expected to partner Michael Owen, while John Terry and Ledley King form a inexperienced central defensive partnership.
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