04 May 2006
VIDEO: Steve McClaren announcement

On the day that he was confirmed as the next England Head Coach, Steve McClaren speaks to the media

David Beckham has hailed new England manager Steve McClaren as 'the best coach I have ever had'.

The Three Lions captain worked under McClaren while at Manchester United, during which time they captured the prestigious Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League treble.

McClaren's association with United and Beckham ended in the summer of 2001 when the Red Devils assistant maanager took over from Terry Venables as the boss at Middlesbrough.

But the pair have teamed up since for England with McClaren joining the Three Lions coaching staff as Eriksson's number two.

The Yorkshire-born coach will step up to take over from the outgoing Swede after the World Cup in Germany this summer and Beckham insists the players all back his appointment.

He said: "I have always said he is the best coach I have ever had. I have had some good ones over the years, such as Brian Kidd, but I have always said Steve is an amazing coach.

"If you ask all of the players who have worked with him, they will say Steve is one of the best if not the best.

"I think it is good for the players, good for the team and I think a lot of people are happy because he is English."