Beckham yearns for Croatia revenge

DAVID Beckham has admitted that revenge is on the agenda when England meet Croatia in Zagreb tomorrow.

Croatia famously edged England out of Euro 2008 with home and away wins in the qualifying campaign but while some in the England camp have been keen to insist that the slate is clean – with a new manager and a new campaign to focus on – Beckham concedes Slaven Bilic's side represent unfinished business.

Asked whether revenge would be a motivating factor, he said: "Totally. All players like to get their own back on a team who've beaten them and we'll be no different going to Croatia.

"The game comes early in the qualifying campaign, so it may not be decisive, but we have to go there and perform better than we did in the Euros.

"Passion is never a problem in any England team I've played in, but the results haven't always gone our way."

The former national skipper started on the bench against Andorra at the weekend but could be back in place of the exciting but raw Theo Walcott on the right of midfield. And, if he is selected, the Los Angeles Galaxy player knows overturning Bilic's side will be a tough ask.

"Croatia are a top side, as they proved against us in the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign," he said.

"They have some quality players and their coach, Slaven Bilic, is a good motivator. But we have to make sure we go into this game believing we can beat them."

Beckham, meanwhile, also confirmed he has set his sights on maintaining his place in Fabio Capello's squad all the way to the 2010 finals in South Africa. "That's certainly my target. It's a massive challenge for me and I don't know whether or not I'll make it, but it's where I want to be. My age isn't an issue, as far as I'm concerned, and as long as I can stay fit, I believe I can help England get to the next World Cup and play a significant part in South Africa itself.

"I've always said I'll never retire from international football and that's still my position. Pulling on that shirt means so much to me."

Meanwhile, coach Fabio Capello insists England must play "without fear" against Croatia – after claiming he currently prefers to play away from Wembley because the players lack confidence in front of their own fans. The Italian can expect his side to enter a hostile atmosphere in the Maksimir Stadium tonight, but he says he has sensed a growing belief among his players during the ten days they have been together.

The former Real Madrid manager said: "I think we have worked very well for these nine, ten days and I see the players having a lot of confidence. They are getting better day by day and I am sure that tomorrow night we will be okay and we will perform.

"Of course, you have to pay big attention to the counter-attack of Croatia. I think they are also very dangerous from free-kicks and corners. This is one of their strong points.

"But we have to play with confidence and without fear and play very quickly. I understand the spirit of the group and the team and it is going up. We know Croatia never lose at home. Also, I think when England play at home at this moment, we don't play with a lot of confidence and I prefer to play away from England at this moment."

Capello has stressed the importance of experience and applying the team ethic against the technically gifted Croatians.

He said: "We have a lot of players with big experience. Seven of them played in the final of the Champions League last season and we have to play like a group, like a team."

Defender and vice-captain Rio Ferdinand has been passed fit to play after recovering from a neck injury which forced him out of the Andorran clash.