SVEN GORAN ERIKSSON has won his first battle of the World Cup — against Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson.
The England coach was furious when Fergie tried to stop David Beckham going on Monday's rest and relaxation squad trip to Dubai.
Ferguson was adamant Beckham should stay in Manchester for further treatment on his broken foot.
But Eriksson insisted the player would get the best possible care from England's medical staff.
The sparks were flying with Becks due to sign his new £23.5 million five-year contract today on the pitch before the Charlton game although the ceremony may be called off.
The row between Eriksson and Ferguson threatened to overshadow the deal. But Fergie had second thoughts after FA chief executive Adam Crozier asked his United counterpart Peter Kenyon to help sort things out.
Eriksson could not understand Ferguson's stubbornness — especially as United do not play another game until August.
The England coach felt Beckham should now be his responsibility.
England offered to take United's medical staff with them to Dubai so they could oversee the treatment but Ferguson still refused at first.
United thought Beckham's recovery was at such a crucial stage he should not yet risk a long-haul flight and were angry the FA did not see their point of view.
Eriksson wanted Beckham and his injured United team-mate Nicky Butt with the party as soon as possible to help acclimatise for Japan and to see at first hand his skipper's progress.
England assistant boss Tord Grip said: "Sven and I have been in touch with United every step of the way following David's progress and he has already done a lot to keep fit.
"He has been doing work in the gym and swimming but he needs to start running and ultimately kicking a ball."
Eriksson will be glad his authority has not been undermined and that his FA bosses backed him so strongly
FA spokesman Paul Newman confirmed last night: "David Beckham and Nicky Butt will be travelling with England to Dubai on Monday afternoon."
Butt has a knee ligament injury but Fergie is confident he will be fit for the finals.
He said: "We're looking at two weeks for Nicky. He will join David Beckham at the same stage in his recuperation, so we are still looking at getting him to the World Cup."
Beckham, who stages a lavish party for the squad and celebrities at his Hertfordshire home tomorrow, was reluctant to step into the row.
But he is delighted it has been resolved without having to make the decision himself and upset one of his managers.
He is also pleased to have finally agreed a new United contract after more than 20 rounds of talks.
The main sticking point was over image rights. But he has accepted a £20,000-a-week deal on top of the £70,000 basic weekly wage.
He was determined to hold out for similar terms negotiated by United skipper Roy Keane.
Beckham recently said: "The deal has got to be right on my side. I have always wanted to play for United, but I think the board know that if their offer wasn't right, then things would happen.
"I wouldn't like to think about playing for another club because I love playing for United. This is the biggest decision of my career."
The England coach was furious when Fergie tried to stop David Beckham going on Monday's rest and relaxation squad trip to Dubai.
Ferguson was adamant Beckham should stay in Manchester for further treatment on his broken foot.
But Eriksson insisted the player would get the best possible care from England's medical staff.
The sparks were flying with Becks due to sign his new £23.5 million five-year contract today on the pitch before the Charlton game although the ceremony may be called off.
The row between Eriksson and Ferguson threatened to overshadow the deal. But Fergie had second thoughts after FA chief executive Adam Crozier asked his United counterpart Peter Kenyon to help sort things out.
Eriksson could not understand Ferguson's stubbornness — especially as United do not play another game until August.
The England coach felt Beckham should now be his responsibility.
England offered to take United's medical staff with them to Dubai so they could oversee the treatment but Ferguson still refused at first.
United thought Beckham's recovery was at such a crucial stage he should not yet risk a long-haul flight and were angry the FA did not see their point of view.
Eriksson wanted Beckham and his injured United team-mate Nicky Butt with the party as soon as possible to help acclimatise for Japan and to see at first hand his skipper's progress.
England assistant boss Tord Grip said: "Sven and I have been in touch with United every step of the way following David's progress and he has already done a lot to keep fit.
"He has been doing work in the gym and swimming but he needs to start running and ultimately kicking a ball."
Eriksson will be glad his authority has not been undermined and that his FA bosses backed him so strongly
FA spokesman Paul Newman confirmed last night: "David Beckham and Nicky Butt will be travelling with England to Dubai on Monday afternoon."
Butt has a knee ligament injury but Fergie is confident he will be fit for the finals.
He said: "We're looking at two weeks for Nicky. He will join David Beckham at the same stage in his recuperation, so we are still looking at getting him to the World Cup."
Beckham, who stages a lavish party for the squad and celebrities at his Hertfordshire home tomorrow, was reluctant to step into the row.
But he is delighted it has been resolved without having to make the decision himself and upset one of his managers.
He is also pleased to have finally agreed a new United contract after more than 20 rounds of talks.
The main sticking point was over image rights. But he has accepted a £20,000-a-week deal on top of the £70,000 basic weekly wage.
He was determined to hold out for similar terms negotiated by United skipper Roy Keane.
Beckham recently said: "The deal has got to be right on my side. I have always wanted to play for United, but I think the board know that if their offer wasn't right, then things would happen.
"I wouldn't like to think about playing for another club because I love playing for United. This is the biggest decision of my career."
