Roxburgh sings out in defence of Beckham

David Beckham has been one of the scapegoats for England's failure to mount a meaningful challenge for the European Championship. However, according to Uefa's technical director, Andy Roxburgh, the England captain offered a lot more to his team than at first met the eye.

David Beckham has been one of the scapegoats for England's failure to mount a meaningful challenge for the European Championship. However, according to Uefa's technical director, Andy Roxburgh, the England captain offered a lot more to his team than at first met the eye.

The former Scotland manager believes that although Beckham was not at his peak in Portugal, there has been too much focus on the penalty incidents and virtually none on his overall play. Roxburgh said. "I thought he contributed a lot to the team, but sometimes a player such as him is judged on special moments rather than watching his play throughout the game.

"Against France it was really interesting because Beckham played against Lizarazu. He not only played competently and well but he also nullified Lizarazu and shut that avenue for France. England played really well and then France had two set-plays and won.

"I also think David Beckham has fantastic courage. He had missed that penalty against France but then he walked up to take the first one in the shoot-out against Portugal. I immediately said 'that boy has some courage' - especially when you know how many people would back away in that situation."