Becks will be best

Sven-Goran Eriksson expects David Beckham to be England's key player at the World Cup finals.

England's superstar skipper is in his best form in years and his set-piece delivery was a key factor in England's friendly victories against Hungary and Jamaica last week.

Eriksson said: "We have the best deliverer of free-kicks and corner kicks in the world and we have people who can put it in.

"We are one of the best teams in the world on set-pieces."

Although set-pieces are the main weapon in Becks' armoury, Eriksson has also seen signs that his all-round displays have improved.

He believes that is down to the 31-year-old being at peak fitness, unlike four years ago when a foot injury hindered his performances in Japan and South Korea.

"I haven't seen all Real Madrid's games but I've seen more than 50 per cent and he's been their best player this season," added the Swede.

"It makes a big difference. He seems to be very fit and very much in form more or less all year.

"Fingers crossed, let's hope we don't have any more injuries for him or any other players.

"The fitness level is high in general and we can do better and better with each game."