Beckham hurt by England struggle
David Beckham revealed today that it had been painful watching England struggle without him.
The 31-year-old Real Madrid star, who was axed from international duty by Steve McClaren, missed the recent draw with Macedonia and the 2-0 defeat in Croatia.
Beckham said: "It's hard to watch England without being in the team. It's still hard and it will be until I'm back in there.
"People have to realise there are going to be tough games, good games and bad games.
"It has been two tough games for them - one at Old Trafford, where usually our record is good. But we've got great young talent in that team."
The former Manchester United midfielder believes Wayne Rooney's recent dip in form is the result of a lack of match fitness and is no cause for alarm.
He said: "People have to remember that Wayne's missed quite a bit of the season - three or four weeks without playing. He might have trained but it's not the same as match fitness."
