Beckham tells Hodgson to unleash England's youngsters

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David Beckham called on England manager Roy Hodgson to unleash his squad's emerging youngsters at the World Cup.

Hodgson has selected several gifted prodigies including Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley and Luke Shaw for the tournament in Brazil.

Former England captain Beckham believes the coach shouldn't be afraid to throw them into the fray in Brazil despite their lack of international experience.

Liverpool winger Sterling, 19, Everton midfielder Barkley, 20, and Southampton left-back Shaw, 18, have just 12 caps between them.

But Beckham himself burst onto the global stage as a 23-year-old at the 1998 World Cup in France, scoring on his first start in the competition against Colombia.

And the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder is convinced England would benefit if Hodgson puts his faith in a new generation of exciting talent.

Speaking at a charity event in London on Monday, Beckham said: "... the good thing about having young players go into a competition is the fact that they're not scared."

"Young players are not scared to go out there and perform and play for themselves and play for the team, and so they'll be ready."

England have been drawn in a tough group featuring Italy, their opening opponents on Saturday, Copa America champions Uruguay and Costa Rica.

After years of underachievement at international tournaments, there is little expectation that England will win the World Cup for the first time since 1966.

But Beckham, who won 115 caps and played in three World Cups, is upbeat about England's chances in Brazil.