Gilberto: You were wrong to axe Becks

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Gilberto has admitted his surprise that Steve McClaren dropped David Beckham after the World Cup and claims any side in Europe would want him in their team.

The Arsenal midfielder, who reveals today that he is seeking dual Brazilian-English nationality, says Beckham's international comeback is a triumph for the midfielder's professionalism.

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Stretching the point: Gilberto gets a helping hand from Kaka as Brazil train yesterday

The former England captain is set to win his 95th cap tonight in the first international at the rebuilt Wembley, as head coach McClaren uses the friendly against Brazil to prepare his team for the must-win Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia next Wednesday.

Gilberto, who is set to line up in a strong Brazil team that includes Kaka and Ronaldinho, said of Beckham: "I was surprised when he was not in the squad. It's difficult to know why he was dropped. England changed their manager and a new one came in with new ideas.

"He is a very good professional. I never read anything about him complaining. He just kept quiet, worked and waited for his chance.

"He is a top-class player, everyone knows that. They have brought him back for his quality and he adds a lot of things to the team. He is like a leader of the side."

Gilberto does not believe that Beckham's move from Real Madrid to LA Galaxy is proof that his best days are behind him.

"You need to respect his decision," he said. "He is good enough to play in any top team in Europe. He has the quality to play wherever he wants.

"He had a very hard time at Madrid a few months ago. When a player like him is sat on the bench, it is very frustrating. But in the last few games he has played very well and helped Madrid get some excellent results."

McClaren will reunite Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in central midfield, a combination that has rarely proved effective, but Gilberto believes they are good enough to make the partnership work.

He said: "When they adjust, they will do better. I have seen a few games of them together and they have done well.

"Sometimes things don't always work like you want and some players take time to adjust. But they are great players and it won't be a problem for them.

"England have a great generation of players - like Steve Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole."

John Terry agreed with Gilberto's assessment and he believes McClaren is the man to help take the pressure off the midfield pair.

Ledley King was considered for a midfield holding role tonight to give Lampard and Gerrard the freedom to make forward runs but it seems more likely the Tottenham star will play in his favourite position in the centre of defence alongside the skipper in a 4-4-2 formation.

"It's baffling for me because Frank and Steven are two of the best players in the world and play great stuff in the Premiership," said Terry.

"People say they can't play together which is ridiculous. They're both attacking players but even at Chelsea, Frank can sit in there for 10 minutes and let someone else bomb on. Stevie G does the same at Liverpool.

"Rather than everyone keep talking about this, why not take the pressure off them a bit? Put them both in there and give them a run of games. Let us see what they can do. We've tried a holding player, we've done other things but why not play 4-4-2 and stick them in there? Let them deal with the situation because they're good enough players."

Practice makes perfect: David Beckham stays on at training to try out his free-kicks

McClaren looks likely to employ the system against Brazil which he will use against Estonia.

Michael Owen, back from injury, will be up front alongside Manchester United's Alan Smith, although the Newcastle striker was suffering from a stomach upset after training yesterday.

Joe Cole will also be back on the left-hand side of midfield, and Terry insists his club-mate is keen to make his mark after a season disrupted through injury.

"I know how much Joe wanted to get back in this squad," said Terry. "He would be on at me daily, saying things like 'Speak to Steve McClaren for me and tell him I'll be ready for the Estonia game'.

"Joe just wants to play football. He's had a bad foot problem from which he still hasn't fully recovered. The good news is that he's looking much better now. It's great to see him back in the squad, though. It's a reward for all his hard work."

Two of the world's best players will be on show tonight in Kaka and Ronaldinho, and Gilberto believes the AC Milan star is the one to watch.

He said: "Kaka is the best. He is so creative and has so many options on the pitch."

 

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