BECKHAM DEFENDS 'PERFECT' RIO

DAVID BECKHAM has described Rio Ferdinand as being "as close to perfect as you can get" in a stirring defence of his England team-mate.

Ferdinand has refused to discuss his poor performance during the 1-0 defeat in the Ukraine last weekend even though he came through Wednesday's Wembley 3-0 stroll against Belarus unscathed.

But Beckham was keen to back Ferdinand, whose place as an automatic starter has come under increasing scrutiny.

Beckham said: "Mistakes happen in games. You all make mistakes and nobody is perfect. But Rio is as close to perfect as you can get. John Terry and him at the back are exceptional players."

Ferdinand has been sensitive to criticism in the past but Beckham believes the Manchester United defender, who turns 31 early next month, will come through this latest crisis.

Beckham said: "Rio's a tough player - mentally and physically. At Manchester United he's got a manager looking after him and the fans will do their part, too.

"You do go through criticism but there's no way Rio's going to crumble under any criticism because he's too strong a character and a player to do that. Sometimes you make one mistake and people jump on you and expect more of you. I've no doubt Rio will come through it."

Beckham himself is not taking a World Cup place for granted.

He said: "I'll work hard to try and give myself the chance of a place in the squad."

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