Capello: Beckham can be England's Ronaldo

Fabio Capello believes David Beckham can perform a similar role for England that Cristiano Ronaldo does for Manchester United.

England’s lack of goalscoring opportunities and creativity up front were features of their 1-0 defeat by France with Wayne Rooney deployed as a lone striker.

Steven Gerrard played behind the Manchester United forward as the Italian attempted to implement a new system.

When asked whether Rooney could flourish without the influence of Ronaldo or whether Gerrard can have the same impact he does at Liverpool, Capello said: “But I have David Beckham and Rooney can be our (Fernando) Torres.

“They are both good players.

“Against France, Rooney was playing the way he is currently playing for Manchester United.

“I played him and Steven Gerrard the way they’re being played at their own clubs.

“That is what I wanted to see.”