Eriksson resists calls for Lennon

Lennon (left) starred against Belarus, deputising for Beckham

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson says David Beckham will retain his place in the World Cup ahead of winger Aaron Lennon, who impressed against Belarus.

When asked who should play on the right Eriksson said: "Are you saying I should play Lennon instead of Beckham?

"Lennon does his damage on the right but Beckham also does his damage on the right. How many crosses does he put in?

"I think everybody agrees with the starting 11. I know the team and you would pick the same team."

I am sure Lennon could play as a second striker in the last 20 minutes Sven-Goran Eriksson

England have two friendlies this week, against Hungary on Tuesday and Jamaica on Saturday, before they play their opening World Cup against Paraguay on 10 June.

Eriksson, who has never substituted or dropped Beckham, has said he will start both games with the team he expects to use in the World Cup opener against Paraguay.

"If Beckham is fit, if Frank Lampard is fit, if Steven Gerrard is fit and if Joe Cole is fit, they should start," added Eriksson.

"The fact is that all four midfielders are in great form and they are all in excellent condition.

"It's not like before Japan when Beckham was 70%, half-injured.

"They are all 100% fit. They all did the fitness tests and were much better than two years ago and there was a huge difference to four years ago."

Despite the question marks over Beckham's fitness four years ago, Eriksson insisted he was right to play the midfielder in the 2002 World Cup.

"In Japan, Beckham deserved to play even though he was not 100%. We did not have Lennon in Japan.

"I am sure Lennon could play as a second striker in the last 20 minutes. He would come on, take the ball and run."