International Friendly England v Uruguay: David Beckham did not name names but as he spoke about who should succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson it swiftly became apparent yesterday that he has reservations about some of the leading candidates.
Beckham said the new man should have experience of management in the Champions League, a stipulation that would mean Sam Allardyce, Alan Curbishley and Stuart Pearce being eliminated from the Football Association's unofficial shortlist.
Beckham used three words to describe the qualities he believed to be essential - passion, hunger, ruthlessness - but the main criterion was experience and a CV showing the successor was "able to handle big games in the Champions League".
In one sentence, the captain effectively took out the three leading English contenders while enhancing the credentials of Martin O'Neill, the bookmakers' favourite, and Guus Hiddink, the joint PSV Eindhoven and Australia coach.
It will probably remain hypothetical given the FA's chief executive Brian Barwick has no intention of consulting Beckham or any of the senior players. Having accidentally described himself as "the manager" while facing the press, Beckham emphasised he did not want any input about who should take over after the World Cup.
"It's not down to the players," he said. "The FA will decide who the right man is. There are many great managers out there and it's going to be a hard decision, one that we've got to get right."
His own feelings echo those of England's goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who said the players had wanted Eriksson to remain for Euro 2008, possibly even longer. Robinson's case was that Eriksson should not have been forced out because of a News of the World "stitch-up" and Beckham, who has his own legal case against the newspaper, is also distinctly unhappy.
"Robbo was right," he said. "The players are fully supportive of the manager; no one is resentful towards him for anything. We haven't won anything but his results have been very good. It would have been better to have some kind of stability. For 15 years at Manchester United I had one manager. In three seasons at Real Madrid I've had six coaches and now a second president and not won anything. Stability brings a comfort to players."
Beckham was alluding to Florentino Perez standing down as Real president, which should have no bearing on his talks on a new contract.
"I've already been told they want me to stay, not just by Florentino but other board members," said Beckham, whose deal runs out in summer next year.
"I have a great relationship with the other directors too."
Meanwhile, Frank Lampard is out of tonight's game after the Chelsea midfielder pulled out of training with a "tight hamstring".
Tottenham midfielder Michael Carrick came into the starting XI for Lampard as it was revealed the injury to the Chelsea player was only slight and his withdrawal was precautionary.
Sven-Goran Eriksson named his starting XI 24 hours before kick-off and will hand a debut to Darren Bent.
Charlton striker Bent (21), has been in brilliant form since his £2.5 million move from Ipswich last summer and was watched by Eriksson against Aston Villa last Saturday. He has scored 17 goals for his club this season and starts up front with Wayne Rooney.
Carrick (24), has four England caps but has not played for his country since his impressive performances against the USA and Colombia on last summer's tour to the America. He has been an influential figure in the centre of midfield for Spurs this season and gets the nod ahead of club-mate Jermaine Jenas.
Carrick can play as an orthodox midfielder but he is one of the names touted as a candidate to fill the role of screener.
Eriksson has expressed his desire to have a different option across the centre of the pitch and the England boss experimented with Ledley King in a midfield holding role against Argentina, in November.
Steven Gerrard will play in midfield despite Rafael Benitez's claims that his captain needed rest. David Beckham and Joe Cole are the wide midfielders. Wayne Bridge plays at left-back and Gary Neville returns at right-back after missing the last five England games. John Terry and Rio Ferdinand have the chance to cement their partnership at the back and Paul Robinson is in goal.
Eriksson will try to avoid playing Terry, Gerrard, Cole and Beckham for the full 90 minutes because they have Champions League games next week.
Guardian Service
ENGLAND: Robinson (Tottenham), G Neville (Manchester Utd), Bridge (Fulham), Ferdinand (Manchester Utd), Terry (Chelsea), Beckham (Real Madrid), Gerrard (Liverpool), Carrick (Tottenham), J Cole (Chelsea), Rooney (Manchester Utd), D Bent (Charlton Ath).
