Beckham has faith in Fergie

David Beckham believes Alex Ferguson will play a crucial role in ensuring he is fresh to lead England’s bid for European Championship glory in Portugal next summer.

The Manchester United star has not always been enamoured with Ferguson when he has left him out of crucial matches, including the recent Champions League quarter-final second-leg clash with Real Madrid.

But Beckham acknowledged that Ferguson is only protecting his players from the chance of footballing burn-out as he geared up for tonight’s friendly international with South Africa in Durban.

And that will certainly be a necessity in 2003-2004 when an 11-month season will confront Beckham and the England players if they reach the Euro finals.

The England captain is already relishing the prospect of his first elongated break from action before United report back in early July as a result of his suspension for the qualifier with Slovakia on June 11.

Beckham said: “The manager is always good at resting you during the season. He picks the right time to give players a rest.

“Whether we like it or not, we know that the manager is doing it for our own benefit and we appreciate that fact.

“I am also hoping that with the few weeks I am having off now that I will be fresher than I have been in past pre-seasons – which I’m sure I will.

“This season has had its ups and downs but I enjoyed it. We won the league. We’ve got the trophy back at Old Trafford.”

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is thinking along the same lines in that he persuaded Beckham to put his feet up after he indicated that he wanted to play in the June 3 friendly with Serbia and Montenegro.

But before then he is looking to end his own season in style against South Africa as he goes looking for his fifth goal in the last sixth internationals.

Beckham said: “We know it is going to be a tough game. When you come to any country and take on players that are playing in Europe and all around the world, you know it’s going to be difficult.

“The pitch is not the best that I’ve played on but it’s the same for their team as well and both teams have got to adapt to it.”

Beckham paid tribute to Leeds defender Lucas Radebe, who is set to retire from international football after winning his 70th cap against England.

He said: “It will be a great occasion for him and he has had a great career. He does well for Leeds and I am sure he will deserve the ovation he gets.”

Michael Owen is looking for England to tune up effectively for the Slovakia clash as they look to build on their impressive 2-0 success over Turkey last month.

The Liverpool striker said: “Everyone is looking forward to the game. We have only got two matches before the Euro 2004 game with Slovakia so they are both very important.

“If we can get three points against them it will certainly put us in a nice position in the group and the aim has to be to finish top and qualify automatically for the finals.”