Beckham revelling in new role

Beckham's wife and son were not at Anfield on Saturday

David Beckham believes there are more goals to come from him at international level if he is allowed to continue playing closer to his preferred central midfield role.

Encouraged by Sven Goran Eriksson to come in-field from his right-sided position, the England captain took advantage to score only his second goal for England.

"I think I will get more chances to score in the role I was given," he said. "I wasn't just stuck out on the wing. I was moving inside and getting the ball more."

He revelled in the role, turning in a performance that silenced his critics.

If he's in the middle, then he can't cross a ball

  Gary Neville

"A lot has been said about my form and I needed something like that. I needed a couple of good shots on target and the goal was something extra.

"It's not been a matter of me playing badly for six months. It's only been four or five games so it's not been a massive problem.

"I think I showed that on Saturday with the way I battled hard and got through the game and played some good football."

However, team-mate and close friend Gary Neville believes Beckham's most useful position is still on the right.

"If he's in the middle, then he can't cross a ball. And if he's not crossing a ball, I think that removes too big an advantage to the team," said Neville.

"There's nobody who can cross a ball from the right like he can so he needs to stay out there, I'm afraid."

Beckham revealed that his wife Victoria and son Brooklyn missed Saturday's match as he was concerned about their safety.

To get a reception like that was something special from the point of view of the Manchester United players

  David Beckham

But he paid tribute to the treatment that both he and the rest of the England team received from the Anfield crowd.

"I was told afterwards that the Kop were chanting 'there's only one David Beckham'. It was nice to go to the Kop at the end and see them all clapping and cheering.

"I didn't hear what they were singing at the time. I was so carried away with the moment and the joy of winning but to find out something like that is unbelievable.

"To get a reception like that was something special from the point of view of the Manchester United players.

"Mind you, I am sure it will be a bit different when I come back with United to face Liverpool next weekend!"

United play Liverpool in the Premiership on 31 March.