Beckham stays as England captain

David Beckham has retained the England captaincy under new coach Sven Goran Eriksson.

The Swede confirmed the Manchester United star as his captain today but his decision was widely expected after 25 year old Beckham was captain for the defeat in Italy last November.

Eriksson saw veteran defender Tony Adams retire from international football last month clearing Beckham's path to the captaincy.

Beckham told the press yesterday that he did not believe he was "a natural captain" and was not good at bullying other players on the pitch but Eriksson knows he is starting again with the England squad from scratch and the United star is a well respected presence in the England squad.

The midfielder has had his problems with discipline on the pitch during his career but he is a hard trainer who does not drink or gamble. He still has his best years ahead of him although he is used to winning club titles with United but he has experienced only disappointment so far with England.

Eriksson wants to bring Beckham into a more influential centre midfield role with a right wing variation. Ideally Kieron Dyer would be used along the right flank to allow Beckham to move further infield - which is a role he covets with United as well - but Dyer's injury problems have meant a re-think.

Young West Ham star Joe Cole is a contender to start tomorrow night's friendly in Birmingham against Spain for a first appearance in the national team.

Cole may join Manchester United's Paul Scholes in midfield who is recovering from a stomach illness.