Beckham ready for Croatia
Beckham is feeling the effects a string of hard training sessions
England captain David Beckham says he is fit and raring to play in Wednesday's friendly against Croatia.
There were fears the Real Madrid midfielder might have to pull out of the game because of a back problem.
But he quashed any doubts he would miss the match at Portman Road in Ipswich.
"Everyone knows it's been a busy couple of weeks for me but it's important I get back playing for my country," he said.
"Whether it be a friendly or a qualifying game, it's important for me to be here."
Beckham said his back felt "a little bit tired" but blamed that on a string of hard training sessions with his club.
I felt a little bit tired yesterday but my fitness level is good... it's always been quite good
"Fitness-wise I feel great. I felt a little bit tired yesterday but my fitness level is good. It's always been quite good, so I don't think Ill have a problem on Wednesday."
Beckham, who described his life in Madrid as "mad as ever", stressed England cannot afford to relax with two more vital Euro 2004 qualifiers coming up in September.
"The lads did well against Slovakia, coming back from 1-0 down, and we are in a good position.
"But we know we have important games coming up and we need to get through them," he said.
Beckham is feeling the effects a string of hard training sessions
England captain David Beckham says he is fit and raring to play in Wednesday's friendly against Croatia.
There were fears the Real Madrid midfielder might have to pull out of the game because of a back problem.
But he quashed any doubts he would miss the match at Portman Road in Ipswich.
"Everyone knows it's been a busy couple of weeks for me but it's important I get back playing for my country," he said.
"Whether it be a friendly or a qualifying game, it's important for me to be here."
Beckham said his back felt "a little bit tired" but blamed that on a string of hard training sessions with his club.
I felt a little bit tired yesterday but my fitness level is good... it's always been quite good
"Fitness-wise I feel great. I felt a little bit tired yesterday but my fitness level is good. It's always been quite good, so I don't think Ill have a problem on Wednesday."
Beckham, who described his life in Madrid as "mad as ever", stressed England cannot afford to relax with two more vital Euro 2004 qualifiers coming up in September.
"The lads did well against Slovakia, coming back from 1-0 down, and we are in a good position.
"But we know we have important games coming up and we need to get through them," he said.