Berkovic said: “Beckham’s their leader – there is no doubt about it. England have a lot of good players at the moment but they don’t have a leader on the pitch.
“It was a big mistake to leave him out. Any England side will miss Beckham, he has been a big part of the team for the last 10 years. I think they miss his free-kicks and corners – they are the best in the world – and in modern football it is very important to have a player like that on the pitch.
“Every time he gets the ball, something is likely to happen. Israel are at home so they have a chance to beat England. And Israel know they must win because, if they don’t, it is all over for them.”
