08 October 2005
Exclusive Interview: David Beckham

The skipper talks to TheFA.com after a rollercoaster day in which England secure World Cup qualification.

David Beckham has praised the character of England's players and management after the Three Lions reached the World Cup Finals.

The good news is that England will definitely be playing in Germany next summer - and Captain Beckham is leading the celebrations.

He was controversially sent off during the crucial 1-0 victory over Austria at Old Trafford and will subsequently miss Wednesday’s final group game against Poland.

But the night ended on a high for him when news came through that Holland had beaten the Czech Republic 2-0 in Prague, guaranteeing England a place in the finals whatever happens against the Poles.

Now Beckham is already looking ahead to the World Cup next year and believes England have the character to go there and do well.

"People have criticised our performances and rightly so in some games. But this team has shown a lot of character and a lot of desire to get to this position. And a lot of respect has to go to the manager for that. He’s the one that’s stuck by us and we have stuck by him.

"The fans they have been brilliant all the way through so we thank them a lot and the most important thing now is we’re going to Germany."

Beckham and his England teammates celebrated with family and friends at their hotel in Manchester after hearing of the Holland result. And what had been planned as a quiet post-match get-together took on greater significance.

"It’s turned into a nice celebration now because we can all enjoy the night and have a bit of fun," said Becks. "We still have the game on Wednesday which we want to win. So the lads will take it a little bit easy but still enjoy it."

The celebrations rounded off an emotional day for Beckham who has had to deal with the illness of his son and then with two yellow cards against Austria.

He said: "What a day, what week really. But it’s ended on a high. We’re through and that’s what we aimed for at the start of the campaign, to qualify. We can top the group on Wednesday if we win, but the important thing is that we have qualified.

"The hard work has been done by the whole of the team so we’re happy. But it’s been a long up and down rollercoaster of a day for me personally."

  • FITNESS UPDATE: Latest news from the England camp is that both Sol Campbell and Steven Gerrard will miss Wednesday's match against Poland.