DAVID Beckham has leapt to the defence of Michael Owen by insisting that his under-fire England team-mate remains one of the "best strikers in the world".

Beckham, who has come in for a fair share of criticism himself in recent weeks, was back to something approaching his best as his second-half strike helped England earn a 2-0 win over Azerbaijan on Wednesday.

But, while his performance was praised after the game, Owen's display was roundly condemned in most quarters.

The Real Madrid striker wasted a hatful of chances as the home side failed to score against their limited opponents before the break, while his second-half exploits included more missed opportunities and a booking for deliberate handball.

Things got even worse in the post-match press conference, with Azerbaijan boss Carlos Alberto brandishing Owen a "midget" and accusing the 25-year-old of having a "lack of respect" for his fellow professionals after he made pre-match comments discussing the possibility of scoring five goals.

Beckham has been keen to avoid becoming embroiled in a war of words with the Brazilian World Cup winner.

But, with Owen likely to be replaced by Jermain Defoe as he serves a one-match ban when England return to competitive action in September against Wales, the skipper has launched a passionate defence of his colleague.

"Michael plays for Real Madrid and he's the leading scorer with England," said Beckham, who won his 80th cap on Wednesday. "That says it all.

"Michael is one of the best strikers in the world. That's why he plays for a club like ours and that's why he needs more respect than that.

"I'm not going to criticise their manager, but we've got one of the best strikers in the world playing for us. I'm sure he'd love to have him in his team, that's for certain."

Sven Goran Eriksson has insisted that Owen remains an integral part of his first-choice attack, just as the England boss consistently backed Beckham during his inconsistent streak.

The Swede revealed that he was "embarrassed" at having to repeatedly justify the inclusion of his captain in the run-up to Wednesday's game, but his decision was vindicated as the midfielder produced one of his best displays for some time.

Ironically, Beckham's only comparable England performance this season also came at St James' - in August's friendly win over Ukraine - but, despite his recent struggles, the 29-year-old has never felt under special pressure to perform.

"Did I have a point to prove? Not at all," he said. "I love playing football and, once I'm out there on the pitch, I can prove that.

"Wednesday's game was frustrating at times, especially coming in at half-time having had so many chances.

"But we knew that, just like at Old Trafford, we had to stay patient and keep pushing them. We knew we would score a goal, and that's how it turned out."

Beckham never lost the faith of his colleagues in the England team. He clearly remains valued for both his leadership qualities and his footballing skills.

Chelsea's John Terry is a captain himself and, after working with Beckham at close quarters in the last ten days, the centre-half is in no doubt as to just how important the skipper's fitness will be in the next 18 months.

The Real Madrid star arrived at the last World Cup in Japan and Korea recovering from a broken toe and, while he helped England into the last eight, he was unable to produce the kind of form he had displayed as they qualified.

"It's crucial for England that he's firing on all cylinders in 2006," said Terry. "He has been unlucky with tournaments in the past.

"It's vital for the rest of the players and the whole nation that he stays fit and keeps his form.

"That's a massive thing for England. He's one of our best players and it's important that he's fully-fit and in top form."