England manager McClaren hails Beckham contribution

Jun 7, 2007, 3:35 GMT

Tallinn - England manager Steve McClaren praised the returning David Beckham as England beat Estonia 3-0 Wednesday in a Euro 2008 qualifier.

Beckham had not been picked since the World Cup but returned in Friday's 1-1 friendly draw against Brazil to set up the English goal.

After Joe Cole had got the first in Estonia, Beckham laid on the second and third for Peter Crouch and Michael Owen with trademark crosses.

'That's three of the four goals he's set up, and that's why he's in team,' McClaren said. 'David Beckham is a very, very good player, and he deserves to be in team as he's shown in last two games.'

McClaren refused to be drawn, though, on whether he regretted leaving Beckham out for 11 months, or what will happen when Beckham leaves Real Madrid in the summer for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Beckham was bullish about his future.

'I will definitely be at the Euros,' he said. 'I believe I can carry on playing for a long time. The Galaxy will do everything possible to keep me playing for my country. Things can change, but I'm proud of playing for my country. I just love playing football.'

Estonia coach Jelle Goes, who announced he will not renew his contract, which expires in November, also cited Beckham as the difference between the sides.

'It was clear from the first half that England were trying to find Beckham, who was putting in great crosses,' Goes said. 'That's why Beckham's back in the team - two great deliveries and the game is closed.'

Owen's goal, a close-range finish, took his tally of competitive England goals to 23, surpassing Gary Lineker's team record.

'It's obviously nice to score goals, and to break that record is fantastic,' he said. 'Lineker is an England great. He was my idol when I was a kid. It's lovely to beat him.'