Post by Taxigirl on Jun 12, 2004 10:37:06 GMT
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/england/3799489.stm
By Phil McNulty
Our man with England
David Beckham raised the stakes ahead of England's first Euro 2004 game by declaring: "We are better than France."
England captain Beckham admitted France possessed more world stars, but insisted Sven-Goran Eriksson's side were the superior team.
He said: "I feel we have got the better team, but that will only be proved in the game. If everyone performs we have got a great chance.
"I'm English and I believe our team is better. That's just the way I see it."
Beckham pointed out that, unlike at the World Cup two years ago, Gary Neville and Steven Gerrard are fit, and the captain believes the Liverpool man can have a major influence on England's fortunes.
"He (Gerrard) has shown this season what a great player he really is. We didn't have him at the World Cup so that strengthens the squad right away.
"France have the best players in the world, but if it all comes together at the right time I think our team is capable of beating anyone. If we can find improvement and bring it into the competition, we can beat anyone."
Beckham also admitted he dreams of emulating England's rugby union World Cup triumph by winning Euro 2004.
The Real Madrid star wants to follow in the footsteps of Martin Johnson, who lifted the trophy after the win against Australia in Sydney in 2003.
"I dreamed of doing it at Euro 2004 when it was actually happening with the England rugby team.
"It was amazing to see the celebrations after that. That was massive and brilliant, but imagine if it was the national football team winning a trophy.
"It would be amazing, absolutely incredible if we could do that."
Beckham also backed coach Sven-Goran Eriksson to get his tactical approach spot on for the crucial group games.
He said: "The players trust him and everyone else has got to trust him. He's doing what he thinks is best, even if that means playing an eleven some people don't agree with."
Beckham believes he is better shape than for the 2002 World Cup in Japan, when he was dogged by a foot injury.
He said: "This is much better for me. I was going into the World Cup always worrying about getting fit for the first game.
"I haven't got any of that worry now. No injuries, no back pages about my foot and no front pages either, which is nice."
The midfielder hopes he can now produce his best form on the Euro 2004 stage.
He said: "I think in club football and in certain games for England I have performed well personally.
"I certainly wouldn't call myself a failure in Madrid like some people have done, and that's something I look forward to proving.
"I thought I had to prove a lot of people wrong by going to Madrid and I'm happy with my performances in Spain, especially in the first half of the season.
"I know there is more pressure on me to perform well here as a player and I will be doing my best."
By Phil McNulty
Our man with England
David Beckham raised the stakes ahead of England's first Euro 2004 game by declaring: "We are better than France."
England captain Beckham admitted France possessed more world stars, but insisted Sven-Goran Eriksson's side were the superior team.
He said: "I feel we have got the better team, but that will only be proved in the game. If everyone performs we have got a great chance.
"I'm English and I believe our team is better. That's just the way I see it."
Beckham pointed out that, unlike at the World Cup two years ago, Gary Neville and Steven Gerrard are fit, and the captain believes the Liverpool man can have a major influence on England's fortunes.
"He (Gerrard) has shown this season what a great player he really is. We didn't have him at the World Cup so that strengthens the squad right away.
"France have the best players in the world, but if it all comes together at the right time I think our team is capable of beating anyone. If we can find improvement and bring it into the competition, we can beat anyone."
Beckham also admitted he dreams of emulating England's rugby union World Cup triumph by winning Euro 2004.
The Real Madrid star wants to follow in the footsteps of Martin Johnson, who lifted the trophy after the win against Australia in Sydney in 2003.
"I dreamed of doing it at Euro 2004 when it was actually happening with the England rugby team.
"It was amazing to see the celebrations after that. That was massive and brilliant, but imagine if it was the national football team winning a trophy.
"It would be amazing, absolutely incredible if we could do that."
Beckham also backed coach Sven-Goran Eriksson to get his tactical approach spot on for the crucial group games.
He said: "The players trust him and everyone else has got to trust him. He's doing what he thinks is best, even if that means playing an eleven some people don't agree with."
Beckham believes he is better shape than for the 2002 World Cup in Japan, when he was dogged by a foot injury.
He said: "This is much better for me. I was going into the World Cup always worrying about getting fit for the first game.
"I haven't got any of that worry now. No injuries, no back pages about my foot and no front pages either, which is nice."
The midfielder hopes he can now produce his best form on the Euro 2004 stage.
He said: "I think in club football and in certain games for England I have performed well personally.
"I certainly wouldn't call myself a failure in Madrid like some people have done, and that's something I look forward to proving.
"I thought I had to prove a lot of people wrong by going to Madrid and I'm happy with my performances in Spain, especially in the first half of the season.
"I know there is more pressure on me to perform well here as a player and I will be doing my best."