England skipper David Beckham believes his dead-ball skills could prove to be the key to World Cup success.
LONDON: England skipper David Beckham believes his dead-ball skills could prove to be the key to World Cup success.
Beckham demonstrated once again his skills are a major part of England's armoury during Tuesday's 3-1 win over Hungary when his pinpoint free-kicks set up the opening two goals for Steven Gerrard and John Terry.
And he is confident of doing the same in Germany. "One of the biggest parts of my game is set-pieces and crosses and, if I get the chance like the other night against Hungary, then I will put in crosses so people can score from them," the Real Madrid player said.
"It might be Joe Cole on another night from the opposite flank or maybe Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard who score with shots. If that's the case, then great.
"With a free-kick, I always feel I will score and there have been some good moments in my career but if someone else feels good, then they can have a go."
Despite approaching the end of his career the 30-year-old Beckham insists that he still has goals to achieve.
"I'm very proud of things that I've won as a team player but I was also very proud to once have been voted the second-best player in the world. "I've always wanted to better that. I've been happy playing for a top team like Real Madrid and playing for my country. I can't ask for much more than that - but I always look for more."
Beckham is relishing the chance of playing in a third World Cup finals but admits he has already fulfilled most of the dreams he had as a youngster.
"The thing we look forward to as players is the opening game of the World Cup, being involved because it's the biggest tournament in the world," he said.
"It's a competition that every young player dreams of. I used to dream of cup finals for Manchester United and playing for England.
"My dreams have all come true, playing for some of the biggest clubs and in the biggest games in the world. They don't come much bigger than playing in the World Cup so that's what I'm looking forward to."
One player England need to be firing on all cylinders is striker Michael Owen who is slowly easing back to fitness after his broken metatarsal.
Beckham said: "Michael is a confident player and he's been getting fitter in the last few games. He hadn't played for four or five weeks and now fitness-wise he is gaining all of the time.
"Michael isn't taken for granted - but if he plays well and doesn't score then it's noticed. But Michael will be fine because he's a proven goalscorer and one of the best forwards around."
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