Beckham boost for England

DAVID BECKHAM last night handed Sven-Goran Eriksson some welcome relief from his injury crisis ahead of England’s Euro 2004 qualifier in Macedonia.

Beckham only arrived at the team hotel just after 5pm after his flight from Madrid was delayed after taking part in a match at Villarreal on Tuesday night.

That delayed his assessment by the England medical staff but, while there are no firm conclusions as yet, they are said to be “quietly confident” that he will be available to play in Saturday’s game.