Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has blasted David Beckham's critics.

Rather than rejoice at a magnificent 108-cap international career, Beckham's many critics are using the milestone to attack him, suggesting the 33-year-old does not deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Bobby Moore.

As a graduate of the West Ham academy, Ferdinand needs little reminding of Moore's special place in English football.

But he does not see why it should be used as a tool to beat Beckham with, and does not feel the former Manchester United star deserves such treatment anyway.

"I don't understand why people argue against him," said Ferdinand.

"It's just because it's Becks. He has become such a big personality in the entertainment world, so people think he doesn't deserve it.

"But you do not play for Milan, Manchester United and Real Madrid without being a good player.

"He's been through five or six England managers, so he must be doing something right.

"There's no taking away what Bobby Moore was - an icon of English football who lifted the World Cup. Becks going past his record will not detract from that."

As former United team-mates, Ferdinand shares a bond with Beckham that goes beyond their London roots.

And during a chat at England's Watford training base last night, Ferdinand could sense his long-time international team-mate is benefiting from life in Milan.

"People think David's life is all about the catwalk but you don't go to Milan and get in that team being half-hearted," he said.

"He is a winner who wants to give himself the best opportunity to play for England.

"Being at Milan seems to have rejuvenated him. He's talking about who he's training with and what it's like. He seems delighted to be playing football again.

"It is important for Becks to have this opportunity to come and play for such a prestigious club with people like Paolo Maldini, Kaka, Andrea Pirlo and (Alexandre) Pato."