Soccer: Beckham backs Sheringham World Cup bid

England captain David Beckham reckons Teddy Sheringham should be part of next year’s World Cup squad.

The 35-year-old Tottenham striker brought England back into last month’s World Cup qualifier with Greece at Old Trafford when he scored with his first touch, before Beckham sealed a place in the finals in Japan and Korea with a stunning last-gasp free-kick.

Beckham feels his former Manchester United team-mate, who has more than 40 caps, would bring vital experience to Sven-Goran Erkisson’s party.

Beckham said: ‘‘You need experienced players going into a World Cup, and there is none more experienced than Teddy.

‘‘When Teddy’s on the pitch he’s always got a chance of scoring because he’s such an intelligent player.

‘‘People talk about his age, but if he’s still playing like he is for Tottenham as well as England now he deserves every chance he gets.’’

Sheringham has some tough competition for the probable five forward places in Eriksson’s World Cup squad.

Liverpool duo Emile Heskey and Michael Owen would seem to be the front runners, with their fellow Anfield striker Robbie Fowler also in contention along with Manchester United’s Andy Cole and Leeds youngster Alan Smith.