David Beckham today complained about an invasion of privacy after a long-lens photograph of him in his underwear was published in a tabloid newspaper. He said: "I was not happy with that sort of picture being on the front page, but I have come to expect that sort of thing. The FA are really not happy either because people were warned about privacy before the competition started."
Beckham also said he is ready for the French challenge: "I'd like to think I'll have a big impact on the tournament. But we're not a one or two-man team just like France aren't - they've got more than Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry.
"It's not all about me. I've got to lead as a captain and I'll try my best as always - but so will all the players."
The Real Madrid midfielder added: "There is a lot of passion in both teams but we're professionals and we've got to behave the right way on the pitch - and I'm sure that will happen. We have enormous respect for the French team - and I'm sure it's the same with them towards us." Meanwhile, Everton chief executive Trevor Birch says he is ready to fly to Portugal and tie up a long-term deal for Wayne Rooney.
Birch said: "We have always made clear our desire to see Wayne Rooney commit his long-term future to the club.
"To that end we would be happy to open talks with the player and his representatives about a new contract at any point. Indeed we are anxious to do just that. Although Wayne is currently in Portugal, we would be happy to open negotiations either during the course of the championships or immediately they have concluded."
