Eriksson salutes Beckham brilliance

Eriksson also praised Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen

England coach Sven Goran Eriksson hailed midfielder David Beckham as possibly the best passer in the world.

The Swede's comments come just two days after England's comfortable 4-0 win over Mexico at Pride Park.

With the World Cup qualifier against Greece fast approaching, Eriksson was delighted with the display from skipper Beckham and his other midfielders.

"If you talk about our captain, it is difficult to find a better passer in the world today, certainly in Europe," Eriksson enthused.

He is doing well, playing well and behaving well

  Sven Goran Eriksson

"I had two excellent passers at Lazio, in Juan Sebastian Veron and Sinisa Mihajlovic, and if Beckham is not better than them, then he is certainly on the same level. It is difficult to compare."

"If you have players like (David) Beckham, (Steven) Gerrard and (Paul) Scholes in midfield, they are extremely good passers.

"Then you have Fowler dropping a little and Owen up there. They are also extremely good passers.

'Beautiful' second goal

"The second goal in which Gerrard hurtled down the right flank to be pickedout by Beckham's long-range pass and then crossed for Fowler to score was beautiful."

Eriksson was all the more proud of Beckham's performances as England's leader because of the pressures he faces both on and off the pitch.

"Life cannot be easy for him always though. He is one of the best players in the world, now he is captain of the England team and he plays for Manchester United.

"He also has a very famous wife, so whatever they do, the photos are all over the world. It can't be easy. It is not a normal life.

"But I have absolutely no intention of changing captains. He is doing well, playing well and behaving well."