Sven makes Beckham England captain
David Beckham was today named as England captain by coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.
The Manchester United star, who wore the captain's armband in England's last match against Italy in Turin, met Eriksson at the team hotel last night and was asked to carry on with the job for tomorrow night's friendly against Spain at Villa Park.
On the injury front, there was more bad news for Eriksson today with West Ham midfielder Joe Cole reporting a twinge in his ankle after yesterday's training session.
Cole has had treatment and it is not thought to be a serious concern, but the 19-year-old will be withdrawn if he suffers any further reaction.
It will be a disappointment for the West Ham youngster, whose chances of a senior debut had been enhanced by a glut of midfield rivals dropping out of the squad.
But Eriksson has confirmed that Manchester United's Paul Scholes has recovered from gastric trouble and joined the squad late last night.
"I am extremely happy that he has come and I would like to have 25 players with that sort of attitude," he said.
But the new England coach will have to do without Kieron Dyer, Ray Parlour, Steve McManaman and Michael Carrick.
The confirmation that Beckham will be captain is a testament to his growing maturity.
He said: "I've learned to enjoy my football rather than anything else. But I'm not a natural captain. I'd only done it before in my youth team days and once at United when no one else wanted the armband.
"I will have to learn to adapt to the role but being in the starting line-up is what matters most."
Eriksson said: "Let's hope it's the beginning of a long run. It's not easy for me to have certain opinions about everything after a day and a half but I don't see any reason to change. I hope David will have a long run as captain but we haven't talked about that yet. He's a very good player and I hope he can become a leader.
"I think there are many who could do the job but Beckham was given the captaincy in the last game against Italy and I am happy for him to continue.
"I don't think it is heavy work to be captain. It should lift you and make you more concentrated."
Eriksson revealed that he will play a 4-4-2 system tomorrow.
