Beckham backs England in Euros

Former England captain David Beckham is backing Roy Hodgson’s men to succeed at Euro 2012.

Beckham, one of England’s most decorated players with 117 international caps, believes his country pose a genuine threat in Poland and Ukraine.

England need only a draw from their third and final group game against Ukraine on Tuesday to progress to the knockout stages of the European Championship.

“Looking at who is left in the competition, if we can get a good result now against Ukraine and then push forward, I don’t see why we can’t go all the way,” Beckham said.

“Hopefully we keep continuing to play the way we do.

“It is exciting seeing an England team like that, with so many good players in it.”

Beckham was full of praise for new skipper Steven Gerrard, who led by example in England’s opening matches against France and Sweden.

“I’ve always said that he is one of the best midfielders in the world for me,” Beckham said.

“I am so happy to see him as England captain.

“He’s been in that team for a number of years and to see him wear that armband and wear it with pride and play the way he does, for a start it doesn’t surprise me, but I don’t think it surprises many people.”

Beckham, who is hopeful of representing Great Britain at the upcoming London Olympic Games, guided the Los Angeles Galaxy to a 1-0 victory over the Portland Timbers on Sunday.

The result ended a seven-game winless streak for the Galaxy and was their first clean sheet of the season.

A Todd Dunivant header in the 61st minute proved the difference for the reigning MLS champions, thanks largely to a precise Beckham corner kick.

“We just have to build on it, as simple as that,” Beckham said.

“Last year we played a lot of games like this where we won 1-0 and kept the other teams out.

“We need more performances like this and we’re capable of it. Hopefully this will be our springboard.”

Beckham has been named in a 35-man provisional squad for the Olympics, with the final 18-man squad to be announced by July 6.