'Eriksson must start by reminding Beckham of his responsibilities as leader and midfielder, pointing out that he cannot run around, disrupting the team shape or seeking to settle a score with an awkward Austrian, Dietmar Kuhbauer, with a spiteful tackle.
Eriksson should emphasise to Beckham that the captain's armband is not his by right, that a less ego-driven individual like Gerrard represents a very credible, arguably more popular alternative as team leader. Most importantly, Beckham should be told his shirt is not a sinecure and that Shaun Wright-Phillips might also be able to inject some zest down the right.
Eriksson seems far too in awe of Beckham, even observing yesterday that though he would consult the Real Madrid pin-up about that tackle "it is not a big problem". The mind rewinds three years to when the Swede, on his appointment, mentioned that he was keen to meet the England glamour boy to get an autograph for a besotted relative. Eriksson's blind worship of Beckham is harming England. Two leaders need to wake up when the plane lands in Poland today.'