England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has hinted David Beckham will start as captain in Wednesday's friendly against Holland at Villa Park.

Beckham, who has struggled for England recently, has been put under pressure by the emergence of Manchester City midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips.

But Eriksson told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "He is the captain so he should be the number one.

"He didn't play well for a while but recently he has been doing very well."

Eriksson watched Beckham play in Real Madrid's victory over Espanyol on Saturday, which moved the club to within four points of leaders Barcelona.

Beckham took a knock on the shoulder when he fell awkwardly but Eriksson expects him to be fit to face the Dutch.

He added: "I think physically he's much better. He's playing in a more normal role with Real Madrid at the moment.

"I don't think he will start as substitute but, of course, there is a chance."

Eriksson also played down fears over striker Wayne Rooney's temperament.

"First of all, Rooney is a great, great player. He is playing extremely well and always done very well for England.

"I might have a talk with him but I will not make a big issue of it. Absolutely not. He is young and he will learn."

And the Swede also reiterated the importance of a four-week break next year - if England qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

"How the FA board will achieve it is not on my agenda but for the England national team it is very, very important," said Eriksson.

"All the other teams have it and if we don't get four weeks it will be very difficult to have a good World Cup."