Myself

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Physical preparation for a World Cup is critical

David, let's talk about some of the physical demands of playing in the World Cup.

How tough is it playing extra-time, especially as a midfield player?

DB: I think extra-time is something that all players have to deal with. It can go to that at any point, especially when you're involved in the World Cup. But players these days are so fit; they look after themselves so well. But obviously it's demanding because you've just come off a long season and then you're straight into the World Cup. Especially in the Premiership because it's very demanding, it's a very demanding league. It's tough for players but I think that players accept it, players sometimes enjoy it and it's just part of the game these days.

Beckham's best assists.

This year, many of the games will be played at altitude. You may have some experience of playing at altitude, in Colorado, for example. Can you tell us how that affects your breathing and your stamina throughout the game?

DB: Obviously it's difficult. It's difficult playing at high altitudes but, these days, managers are well aware of what players need to do and the physical trainers make sure the players are ready for that.

Playing two games a week for 4-5 weeks, how did you recuperate between games? Especially the day after and for the next game?

DB: These days it's a lot more difficult. Being 35 years old, it takes a lot longer to get up in the mornings and get started, but you know, when I was 19, 20, 21, I loved having two games a week. I loved having more than two games a week, it's just the way - personally - I was brought up. I was brought up with having sometimes two games on a Saturday and a game on the Sunday with my Sunday league team. It's something that I've always enjoyed. I've always enjoyed playing more games and as many games as possible. It is demanding, especially when you get to a certain level. Like I said, the Premiership is a very demanding league, but I've always enjoyed playing as many games as possible.




An injured Beckham watches on as he misses out on England's 2010 World Cup campaign. Getty Images.

And what did you like to do on a day off? Did you like to think and watch the game again, or did you like to get away from things?

DB: No, the day after a game I never used to watch the game. The night of the game, if it was on "Match of the Day" or if it was on some channel, I used to always watch the game and go over if I'd played bad, if I'd played good, if I'd scored a goal, if I'd missed a goal that I should have scored. Sometimes I go over the way I play, sometimes I don't, it's just whether it's on the TV or not, to be honest.

Can you explain to us how the medical staff monitor you during a performance?

DB: That's one thing about football these days, you know - the medical staff, the coaching staff, the training staff, the manager - they're so on top of everything and so prepared. Players have got it really easy and great these days, the way everything is organised. Players need to look after themselves, but the preparation from the medical staff is incredible. You've always got masseurs; you've always got the treatment that you need. So the medical staff are an important part of the competition because some players can pick up little niggles during the week and need to be ready for the games. The teams that I've been in - especially the national team right now - the medical team is first-class.

Have you ever enjoyed the pleasure of an ice bath?

DB: Yeah, I love an ice bath personally. I love getting up to my neck in an ice bath. It's a good way to recuperate, but some players don't like it.