Beckham's not finished: Eriksson

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has backed his under-fire captain David Beckham to rediscover his best form.

Midfielder Beckham received particular criticism for his display against Barcelona last weekend, when Real Madrid lost 3-0, and for a below-par display in England's 1-0 friendly defeat against Spain in the Bernabeu a few days earlier.

But Eriksson told reporters: "Against Barcelona, the whole team played badly.

"In the last game, against Bayer Leverkusen, he played well in the first half. That's what my scout said and then he was taken off as he was knocked out. He didn't remember what had happened.

"But it will happen for him. I can't believe that he's finished as a football player and he's not. I'm quite sure about that.

"Playing at Real Madrid today, when they're struggling a bit, the expectations are that they should win every game 5-0. They're not doing that and it's difficult for all the players. You have to look at that as well."

Eriksson plans a personal meeting with Beckham in the near future.

"I will go out to see him before next February, although I haven't decided when yet," he said. "I didn't speak to him after the game in Spain but I will do in the new year. I am going to talk to him of course."

ROONEY FORGIVEN

Meanwhile, Eriksson has sought to put an end to criticism of England striker Wayne Rooney, who was substituted against Spain last week to save him from being sent off.

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The Manchester United player's angry reaction as he left the pitch, including throwing down a black armband which was worn in memory of Liverpool player Emlyn Hughes, earned him a rebuke from his manager.

But Eriksson says the teenager has now been forgiven and there is no need for a public apology.

He said: "The important thing was he did it in the dressing room to me. I think that's it, I think that's enough. He said 'I'm sorry for what happened and especially for my reaction', but he's not a big talker.

"He knew what he did and shouldn't have done and that's it. I talked to (United manager) Sir Alex Ferguson about it and there's no problem."

Eriksson now hopes to work with Ferguson to ensure Rooney learns from the experience.

He said: "Of course it's in the interest of Sir Alex and myself that he goes on growing to be that big player that he can be. I think he's in a good club to do that and it's in the interest of Wayne himself as well. He's one of the biggest talents you can find.

"When I pick players, I have to be sure they will behave as they should."