DAVID BECKHAM last night claimed he was "personally insulted" by the accusation that the England team lacks passion.

After Sven-Goran Eriksson and his players were heavily criticised for apparently not caring enough, Beckham mounted a strident defence on the eve of England's crunch Euro 2004 qualifier with Turkey at the Stadium of Light.

While Kevin Keegan was condemned for his rabble-rousing ways, Eriksson was at first lauded for having a calmer and more considered attitude to coaching.

The Swede has now come under fire for his methodical approach, but Beckham let the mask slip yesterday when he revealed Eriksson has raised his voice in the England dressing room.

He said: "People say the passion is not there, but I'm personally insulted by that as I'm the England captain.

"I find it remarkable that the passion is being questioned. It doesn't affect me, but it does annoy me. I haven't seen any indication that the team is lacking passion. To say that is a mistake.

"It might be different from years ago, when you had Terry Butcher carrying on with his cut head and a big bandage.

"The players are not as vocal as they were a few years ago, but it doesn't mean they're not passionate.

"And to criticise Mr Eriksson's passion is not right at all. He might be different from other managers, but to talk about any lack of passion is wrong.

"He is a very passionate person and manager, and he'll always be like that. He's one of the most passionate managers I've played under.

"He doesn't holler or wave his fist in the air, but he wants the team to win more than anything.

"Kevin Keegan was very passionate, but for me there's not much difference between him and Mr Eriksson. They're both passionate people; they just show it in different ways

"He doesn't shout at players unless he needs to. We've seen him shout at players, and tell them what to do and what not to do."

Eriksson vowed yesterday not to alter his coaching style, despite the recent volley of criticism that has come his way.

The charge that he is not passionate enough was first made after he failed to inspire England for the second half of their World Cup quarter-final with Brazil.

But Eriksson said: "If you want someone who shouts, you will have to get someone else.

"I am like I am and it would be very difficult at my age to change my character. And I have no intention of doing that.

"You're always criticised if you don't win games, if you're shouting or if you're not. The answer is to win."