Estonia wary of Beckham threat in Tallinn qualifier

TALLINN, June 5 (Reuters) Estonia will head into tomorrow's Euro 2008 qualifier against England expecting David Beckham to be a big threat on his competitive return.

Beckham ended an 11-month absence from the England side in last Friday's 1-1 friendly draw with Brazil and is now expected to start in Tallinn.

Estonia coach Jelle Goes summed up the mood, telling a news conference today: ''As a football fan, I'm glad David Beckham is back. But I'm not happy he's back in Tallinn.'' Though he stressed England were not a one-man team, Goes expected their former captain to help a side who badly need points after slipping to fourth in Group E.

''England always show when the pressure is really high, that the team always perform,'' he said. ''So we're meeting them at the wrong time. But we're not going to fear them.'' Estonia keeper Mart Poom, who has just moved from Arsenal to Watford, shared the view on Beckham after the midfielder set up England's goal at Wembley.

''We all know about David's quality on set pieces and crosses and we saw that on Friday.'' Poom paid tribute to Beckham's battle to return for England, having been sidelined by incoming coach Steve McClaren after the 2006 World Cup.

''He's a great example to young players and to older players that you should never give up, not in life, not in football,'' Poom said.

''He's always been driven and determined, and whenever I've seen him play he gives his all and even more for England.

''In a difficult situation, you need your experienced players and your leaders back on the pitch.'' Though surprised England had struggled in Group E, where they trail Russia, Israel and leaders Croatia, Poom said: ''Every nation tries to raise their game against England.

''It's their players, the history, the traditions and everything they bring with them.

''To draw against England, like Macedonia and Israel did, is a great achievement for them.'' Reuters SAM GC1936