2 September 2005
David Beckham Press Conference

Skipper David Beckham looks ahead to Saturday's clash with Wales at the Millennium Stadium.


England captain David Beckham has insisted he and his team mates are happy to play in any formation Sven Goran-Eriksson chooses to play in tomorrow's crucial World Cup qualifier against Wales.

Beckham was eager to point out that while Eriksson is happy to listen to discussions from players and staff alike on team formation, the final decision rests on the Three Lions Head Coach.

He said: "The manager is always open to comments from us and discusses things with the players, but the final decision is with him and we all respect that. He is the one who picks the team and that will always be so.

"It's always important for the big teams to be able to change formations. We will play the likes of Argentina and Brazil - or even Wales on Saturday - and we need to be ready for all of them. And sometimes players are out injured or whatever and we have to compensate for that."

Beckham also welcomed the news from FIFA president Sepp Blatter that Britain will be able to field a football team in the 2012 Olympics in London.

He added: "It is great news for us. It will be a massive occasion and to not have a British team in would be a shame. It will generate excitement for football as a whole."