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Beckham puts England back on track
2007-06-06 19:13:43 Xinhua English

BEIJING, June 7 -- David Beckham set up two goals to steer England to a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Estonia Wednesday that put their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign firmly back on track, according to media reports.

Winger Joe Cole gave Steve McClaren's side a 37th-minute lead with a crisp half-volley before Beckham set up Peter Crouch for the second in the 54th minute and then lined up Michael Owen for the third in the 62nd.

It made for a memorable competitive return for Beckham, recalled to the squad last week after being discarded by McClaren after last year's World Cup.

He made a promising comeback in last week's 1-1 friendly draw with Brazil at Wembley and fully justified his 96th cap for his country in the Group E clash.

"It's been nice to be back with the lads," Beckham told Sky Sports.

"We have scored some goals, played some good football and I think the confidence is coming back," added Beckham, who said he hoped to be involved in the next squad even though he will then be playing in the United States.

McClaren was also relieved at the night's work, having been a target for critics after a defeat by Croatia, draws with Macedonia and Israel, and a laboured 3-0 win over Andorra.

The victory takes England to 14 points from seven games, one point behind Russia, who drew 0-0 in Croatia. Israel, 2-0 winners in Andorra, have 17 from eight with Croatia top on 17, also from seven matches.

"We looked a team tonight," McClaren said.

"Estonia showed great spirit but we competed, we won challenges and we knew they would tire and the gaps would open.

"We got that first goal and got our rewards in the second.

"I think we've gained a lot in the last two-and-half weeks we've been together and I think Friday (against Brazil) gave us the confidence and belief."

On the performance of Beckham, who went off in the second half for treatment on a twisted ankle, he said: "David Beckham knows when to come in and stay wide and his delivery is second to none.

"His performance on the field answers everyone."

(Source: Shanghai Daily)

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