SVEN GORAN ERIKSSON admits he will lead the race if ever
David Beckham decides to return to England.
The ex-Three Lions coach makes no secret of his admiration for the
midfielder who was his captain for more than six years.
Becks American club LA Galaxy have said this week they would not
be willing to let him play elsewhere on loan before their season
starts on March 29.
But Eriksson, whose team face a tough FA Cup tie at Sheffield
United on Sunday, keeps in touch with the former Manchester United
ace, 32, and reckons he can still perform at the top level.
He said: If David wants to come back to England I would say yes,
come to Manchester City.
I still believe he deserves to be in the England team. Not just
because of it being his 100th cap but because he is still a great
player.
His right foot is still as good as it ever was. Even if he is in
America, David can still fight for his place in the team.
But I cant see him coming back here. I think he will finish his
career in America.
He has a long contract and he is very keen to make football
popular in America. And if anyone can do that, its David.
Now and then I speak with David and his agent. And I saw David
recently at a dinner in London, so were still in touch in a
way.
Eriksson is keeping his fingers crossed new England boss Fabio
Capello allows Becks to reach three figures against Switzerland on
February 6.
He added: I would agree 100 per cent that Beckham deserves his
100th cap. Of course he does.
At least 12 Premier League clubs will be out of the FA Cup after
this weekend and Eriksson is dreaming of finally getting to sit in
a Wembley dugout.
He never took charge of a match at the famous venue during his time
in charge of England and it remains a strong ambition.
Eriksson, 60 next month, added: I would love to sit on the bench
at Wembley just once before I retire it is still one of my
dreams.
It seemed it was destiny it would not happen while I was in charge
of England. If it does not happen I will survive but it would be
great.
I hope we can win the FA Cup. We are not the favourites if you ask
people.
But its a cup competition and well do everything we can to stay
in it and go as far as we can.
