David Beckham has warned against trying to calm
down Wayne Rooney, insisting the forward would be a "different
animal" without his aggression.
England stalwart Beckham famously got himself sent off in the
1998 World Cup and Rooney's discipline has been in the spotlight
after his dismissal against Fulham at the weekend, when he punched
a corner flag on his way to the dressing room.
Manchester United star Rooney also received a red card in the
quarter-finals of England's last appearance at a major tournament,
in 2006 against Portugal, and ahead of the matches against Slovakia
and Ukraine boss Fabio Capello made a light-hearted reference
during training to the Craven Cottage dismissal.
Beckham, however, feels Rooney's temperament is an important
part of his game and insists he has no concerns.
"With Wayne Rooney you don't get the exceptional talent and
player you have without that side of his game," said the
33-year-old.
"If you take that side out of his game, he becomes a different
player, a different animal. You don't want to take that out of
him.
"Sometimes it flows over. He's done it a few times with myself.
It happens. He knows it's not right, I know it's not right, but it
happens. You don't want to take that out of him."
Despite fears that Rooney's temperament could undermine
England's chances at a tournament, Beckham added: "I've got no
concerns whatsoever.
"Taking that away from a player is dangerous and I don't think
anyone will try to take that away from Wayne."
Beckham is willing to offer Rooney advice if the United
youngster wants it, but he added: "I don't think it is an issue. I
don't need to speak to him but if he wanted to talk to me I
would.
"Of course it is very hard, there are a lot of people looking up
to you.
"I've reacted on the pitch and it wasn't a great reaction. It
might be wrong but it is me showing I'm frustrated that we're
losing.
"He's got enough people around him, there isn't a stronger
manager than Sir Alex Ferguson to look after him and also Fabio
Capello. He has two managers who can get the best out of him and
they do that."
Since his recall to the squad, Beckham has noticed Capello
putting a high value on discipline.
"He has done in the past and said we have the right manner on
and off the field," Beckham said.
Beckham will break the caps record for an England outfield
player if he features against Slovakia in Saturday's friendly.