LONDON, Sept 12: David Beckham no longer expects to play in every game for England and was happy to be in the squad for the 4-1 victory in Croatia on Wednesday inspired by a hat-trick by teenager Theo Walcott.

“I’m pleased for Theo and the team, and I am happy to be here with the squad, but I don’t expect to play in every game anymore,” the former captain said after England’s convincing World Cup qualifying win.

“That’s the way it is now,” Beckham said.

“I was happy to get on in both games (Andorra and Croatia) and would have liked to have played more but it’s all about the team and the squad, and qualifying for the World Cup.

“I really don’t care if I play or not. I’m just happy with the way they played and with the six points from the two games. The biggest thing is England winning and qualifying.”

Beckham was a late substitute in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Andorra and against Croatia in Zagreb but 19-year-old Walcott stole the show on Wednesday.

“Theo had proved himself before this game with Arsenal,” added Beckham. “The speed he has is incredible and I have never played with a faster player. It doesn’t matter about his age.

“Of course, you need experience but we have that with other players and Theo has played in some big games for Arsenal. If he plays like that and scores like he did, he will frighten opponents.”—Reuters