Beckham comes into exactly the same category. You only had to witness the reception he received from the Japanese crowd during England's 2-2 draw with Cameroon to realise what an iconic figure he has become. And he was drawing applause and admiration simply for sitting on the substitutes' bench.
There is a danger here that Eriksson may be seduced by the cult status of Beckham. There is no doubt that his presence lifts the spirit of the team and guarantees the support of most of the neutrals here in Japan.
Eriksson believes in his captain and obviously wants to play him. But he cannot afford to make a mistake.
Better surely to save him for the second match against Argentina than risk a clattering Swedish tackle damaging his foot again and putting him out of the rest of the tournament.
This is a difficult decision for Eriksson and the nation awaits his answer. He knows he cannot afford to get it wrong.
