UPDATE 2-Soccer-Beckham puts England back on track in Estonia

Wed Jun 6, 2007 10:59pm BST
 
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(adds Beckham quotes, Jelle Goes not to renew contract)

By Trevor Huggins

TALLINN, June 6 (Reuters) - David Beckham set up two goals to steer England to a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Estonia on Wednesday that put their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign firmly back on track.

Winger Joe Cole gave Steve McClaren's side a 37th-minute lead with a crisp half-volley before Beckham set up Peter Crouch for the second in the 54th minute and then lined up Michael Owen for the third in the 62nd.

It made for a memorable competitive return for Beckham, recalled to the squad last week after being discarded by McClaren after last year's World Cup.

He made a promising comeback in last week's 1-1 friendly draw with Brazil at Wembley and fully justified his 96th cap for his country in the Group E clash.

"It's been nice to be back with the lads," Beckham told Sky Sports.

"We have scored some goals, played some good football and I think the confidence is coming back," added Beckham, who said he hoped to be involved in the next squad even though he will then be playing in the United States.

McClaren was also relieved at the night's work, having been a target for critics after a defeat by Croatia, draws with Macedonia and Israel, and a laboured 3-0 win over Andorra.  Continued...

 

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