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Beckham at peak for twin challenge
Monday, October 3, 2005 Posted: 1634 GMT (0034 HKT)
MADRID, Spain (Reuters) -- David Beckham is delighted with his form at Real Madrid and believes he is in peak shape for England's final World Cup qualifiers against Austria and Poland.
"I'm really pleased that things are going so well for me, but I'm even happier that things are going well for the team," the midfielder said after Real's 4-0 win at home to Real Mallorca on Sunday.
"In terms of fitness I feel really good and that's down to training and a lot of work."
Beckham has produced some outstanding performances for Real in recent matches, steering them to a 2-1 victory over Olympiakos in the Champions League last week with a constant supply of dangerous crosses into the area.
The England captain conjured up more of the same on Sunday, setting up three of the goals in the Primera Liga victory over Mallorca.
Beckham's return to peak form has coincided with the decision of coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo to allow him to play in a wider position on the right flank, from where his crosses and pin-point passes have been used to greatest effect.
The 30-year-old said the results were a welcome boost before England's World Cup qualifiers against Austria on Saturday and Poland next Wednesday.
"Coming into an international week you always want to win your previous game for the club," he said. "If we win the first game, that's not enough for us, we want to win both games and qualify directly by topping the group."
England are in second place in Group Six, five points behind Poland, but have a game in hand on the leaders.
Both England's games take place at Old Trafford, Beckham's former home from his days at Manchester United.
Victory in the two games will guarantee England top spot and an automatic place at next year's World Cup in Germany.
Source : cnn.com
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