David Beckham says Steven Gerrard proved a point to his detractors in Minsk last night, insisting the Liverpool midfielder remains one of the world's best players, both for club and country.
Beckham, who won his 107th cap in the 3-1 victory against Belarus, was baffled by the criticism of Gerrard and claimed the midfielder had played a pivotal role for England.
"It's amazing that Steven Gerrard gets criticised," Beckham said. "In a Liverpool shirt he's incredible and in an England shirt he's incredible. He proved that to a lot of people last night and for me he's one of the best midfielders in the world.
"So to see him perform like that and to see Frank Lampard play well was great. But it was a team performance. Wayne Rooney and Emile Heskey, they clicked really well last night and it's great to be in an England team that's so confident and enjoying it. Hopefully that's going to restore some confidence in the fans because we're thankful for all the support they give us."
Beckham was asked if he agreed with Rio Ferdinand's claim that the England camp during the World Cup in 2006 had resembled a circus.
"It has looked like that in the past," he said, "but I don't think that's down to the players or management. That was something that was going on at the time.
"The players have always gone into big competitions not worrying about anything other than success. We've not been worried about the circus that's going on around us, we've always gone into World Cups concentrating on the football.
"Rio is right in what he said but [Fabio Capello] has brought a more disciplined culture into the team. I know what this manager wants because he's a winner and all he believes in is winning games and players and teams working hard. When that happens there's success and there's a good togetherness with this team which is a pleasure to be around."
Beckham's appearance from the substitutes' bench in Minsk took him to within one cap of Bobby Moore's 108 for England. If he were to feature in the remaining World Cup qualifiers he will be just nine shy of Peter Shilton's 125-cap record, although this is not something the former captain has set in his sights.
"I am not looking that far ahead," he said. "I'm enjoying being part of this England team. We had a few players out but others came in and you saw the strength of our squad."
Beckham, who won his 107th cap in the 3-1 victory against Belarus, was baffled by the criticism of Gerrard and claimed the midfielder had played a pivotal role for England.
"It's amazing that Steven Gerrard gets criticised," Beckham said. "In a Liverpool shirt he's incredible and in an England shirt he's incredible. He proved that to a lot of people last night and for me he's one of the best midfielders in the world.
"So to see him perform like that and to see Frank Lampard play well was great. But it was a team performance. Wayne Rooney and Emile Heskey, they clicked really well last night and it's great to be in an England team that's so confident and enjoying it. Hopefully that's going to restore some confidence in the fans because we're thankful for all the support they give us."
Beckham was asked if he agreed with Rio Ferdinand's claim that the England camp during the World Cup in 2006 had resembled a circus.
"It has looked like that in the past," he said, "but I don't think that's down to the players or management. That was something that was going on at the time.
"The players have always gone into big competitions not worrying about anything other than success. We've not been worried about the circus that's going on around us, we've always gone into World Cups concentrating on the football.
"Rio is right in what he said but [Fabio Capello] has brought a more disciplined culture into the team. I know what this manager wants because he's a winner and all he believes in is winning games and players and teams working hard. When that happens there's success and there's a good togetherness with this team which is a pleasure to be around."
Beckham's appearance from the substitutes' bench in Minsk took him to within one cap of Bobby Moore's 108 for England. If he were to feature in the remaining World Cup qualifiers he will be just nine shy of Peter Shilton's 125-cap record, although this is not something the former captain has set in his sights.
"I am not looking that far ahead," he said. "I'm enjoying being part of this England team. We had a few players out but others came in and you saw the strength of our squad."
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