SVEN GORAN ERIKSSON admits he will lead the race if ever David Beckham decides to return to England.
The ex-Three Lions coach makes no secret of his admiration for the midfielder who was his captain for more than six years.
BecksÂ’ American club LA Galaxy have said this week they would not be willing to let him play elsewhere on loan before their season starts on March 29.
But Eriksson, whose team face a tough FA Cup tie at Sheffield United on Sunday, keeps in touch with the former Manchester United ace, 32, and reckons he can still perform at the top level.
He said: “If David wants to come back to England I would say yes, come to Manchester City.
“I still believe he deserves to be in the England team. Not just because of it being his 100th cap but because he is still a great player.
“His right foot is still as good as it ever was. Even if he is in America, David can still fight for his place in the team.
“But I can’t see him coming back here. I think he will finish his career in America.
“He has a long contract and he is very keen to make football popular in America. And if anyone can do that, it’s David.
“Now and then I speak with David and his agent. And I saw David recently at a dinner in London, so we’re still in touch in a way.”
Eriksson is keeping his fingers crossed new England boss Fabio Capello allows Becks to reach three figures against Switzerland on February 6.
He added: “I would agree 100 per cent that Beckham deserves his 100th cap. Of course he does.”
At least 12 Premier League clubs will be out of the FA Cup after this weekend and Eriksson is dreaming of finally getting to sit in a Wembley dugout.
He never took charge of a match at the famous venue during his time in charge of England and it remains a strong ambition.
Eriksson, 60 next month, added: “I would love to sit on the bench at Wembley just once before I retire — it is still one of my dreams.
“It seemed it was destiny it would not happen while I was in charge of England. If it does not happen I will survive but it would be great.
“I hope we can win the FA Cup. We are not the favourites if you ask people.
“But it’s a cup competition and we’ll do everything we can to stay in it and go as far as we can.”
