Beckham stunned by death threats
England captain David Beckham has revealed that he was spat at and received death threats from opposing players during the 2-1 win over Macedonia.
Beckham helped to set up Wayne Rooney for England's equaliser in Skopje and then hit home the winner from the penalty spot.
But the Real Madrid midfielder was left seething by the treatment he received in the Euro 2004 qualifier.
He said: "I was spat at two or three times, and other players were as well. One of their players said to me, 'You won't get out of here alive'."
Sven-Goran Eriksson confirmed that Beckham was angered by a series of challenges on him and it took the half-time interval for him to calm him down before leading England's revival.
"I think David Beckham did well. He is important with his delivery and his heart for the team," said Eriksson.
"He knew the importance of the game and he was a little bit upset coming into the dressing-room but he was calm again after 30 seconds and then said 'come on boys, let's go out and do it'."
Beckham also spoke of the racist chants aimed at Liverpool striker Emile Heskey.
"It [racist chanting] has been cut out of game for years but it has started to creep back in in some countries," he said.
"We were well aware before the game because it happened at the Under-21 match.
"Our players are well aware and are well above that."
