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18 November 2004  
David Beckham post-match 

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Rooney was substituted after 41 minutes by England Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson following a frustrating opening half in Madrid.

The teenager was booked for pushing goalkeeper Iker Casillas and the substitution left Rooney visibly disappointed, but England Captain Beckham believes he will learn from the situation.

He said: "People forget that Wayne is only 19, and sometimes that happens when he's that young.

"It's not about cutting it out of his game completely because that's part of his game and what makes him a great player and loved by so many people.

"By experience and the people he's got around him, he'll calm it down."

Beckham has become something of a mentor for Rooney after taking him under his wing at Euro 2004. And he is certain the Old Trafford hero has the support needed to overcome any criticism that comes his way.

Becks said: "I think a few players have talked to him on the pitch tonight during the first half. He´s got a lot of strong people behind him.

"He'll learn himself, I´m sure of that. He was upset coming off and it was frustrating for him coming off. But Wayne's a great player and he'll be back there on Saturday working hard for Manchester United and pressurising players like he does."

It was clearly a difficult decision for Sven to take off Rooney so early in the game, but Beckham insists the England Head Coach knew what he was doing.

"Yes, of course it was a tough decision but that's what the manager's there for," said Becks. "He makes decisions which he feels are best for the players and the team. That's what he did."