England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson warned skipper David Beckham and Steven Gerrard on Tuesday against getting booked against Liechtenstein and missing their decisive Euro 2004 qualifier in Turkey.

Beckham, Gerrard and defender Sol Campbell are all a yellow card away from suspension and any absences in Turkey next month, where England are likely to need a draw to automatically qualify for the finals in Portugal, would be a severe blow.

Though Eriksson would not confirm any of the trio would face Liechtenstein on Wednesday, he told a news conference: "I have to be careful, but they have to be more careful because we can't afford to take a yellow card from any of the players.

"It would be very stupid.

"Sometimes you have stupid cards -- talking to the referee, kicking the ball away, making a bad tackle when it's not necessary, especially in midfield. We have to be aware of that."

Beckham, who expects to play at his former Manchester United home of Old Trafford, would clearly be the most damaging absentee in Istanbul.

However, Eriksson's other concern is that too much attention is being focused on their qualifier on October 11 and not enough on the job in hand on Wednesday.

"We talk today too much about Turkey," he said.

LIECHTENSTEIN MADNESS

"Your most important game is always the next one because if we don't beat Liechtenstein it would be absolute madness. Let's think about that game, win that game before we think about the future."

Beckham, who joined Real Madrid in July for up to 35 million euros ($38.96 million), made it clear he expected to turn out on Wednesday and was willing to take the risk.

"There are three or four players on yellow cards so that was put to us (to miss the Liechtenstein game) and put to me but I'd rather play to be honest," he said.

"There are certain challenges I will have to hold back on and certain situations that I usually get myself into that I won't be able to."

As for his return, Beckham said: "(It will be) probably emotional but it's nice to play back at Old Trafford again so quickly after the move.

"I thought it would be at least a year...(before) going back there with Real Madrid but it's nice to be coming back there with England."

Close

Today's Top News		Top Sports News
+Beijing girds up for fight against influenza ( 2003-09-10) +New rule limits brutal police actions ( 2003-09-10) +WTO facing tough decisions in Cancun ( 2003-09-10) +Commentary: Rural social security urgent ( 2003-09-10) +Flood affects 510,000 in Shaanxi ( 2003-09-10)		+Italy's Serie A to be expanded to 20 teams ( 2003-09-10) +No stupid bookings, Eriksson tells England ( 2003-09-10) +Agassi and Federer qualify for Masters Cup ( 2003-09-10) +New Michelin tyres win FIA approval ( 2003-09-10) +IAAF rejects White's reason for positive test ( 2003-09-10)