Owen Hargreaves today pleaded for patience as England's players adjust to Fabio Capello's methods.

Although the 27-year-old believes England will be ready to fire when qualification begins for the 2010 World Cup in September, he warned supporters not to expect overnight success and should instead recognise the gradual progress made under the Italian.

"We have changed formations and personnel so let's take it step by step, game by game," said the Manchester United midfielder after last night's 2-0 win over the USA.

"We're building something for the future and now we have a few a friendlies [Trinidad & Tobago and the Czech Republic] and we'll be ready when the World Cup qualifiers come around.

"I'm the one that has always said, 'How come we have such great players, but we haven't made such a fabulous team?'

"I think it's a fair question, so I think that's why he's here. We have all the pieces to the puzzle. We just have to make them fit." Hargreaves is backing David Beckham to be one of those pieces and rejected the idea the 32-year-old gives little more to the team than his set-piece delivery.

"I don't think Becks' game is just free-kicks and corner kicks," said Hargreaves. "He is still one of the best passers in the game. He has a lot to offer personality wise and you know he is so experienced and is an asset to have around the team, not just on the pitch, but also for the younger players here.

"They look up to him and I think all the lads can learn a lot from him."