BBC SPORT | FOOTBALL | Beckham's England dream realised (original) (raw)

Friday, 10 November, 2000, 02:43 GMT

Beckham's England dream realised

David Beckham: His dreams have been realised

David Beckham has described being named as England skipper for next week's friendly with Italy as a dream come true.

The Manchester United midfielder will don the skipper's arm-band after Peter Taylor decided to omit Tony Adams and Martin Keown.

The stand-in boss has chosen a young and experimental clash for the match and elevated Beckham to lead the side.

Under previous coach Kevin Keegan, Beckham was appointed vice-captain in the absence of Sol Campbell for the matches against Germany and Finland.

He was subsequently injured in the loss to Germany and missed the draw with Finland.

Beckham said: "This is one of the proudest moments of my football career.

"It's always been a big ambition of mine. As a kid I used to dream about leading my country and now it is going to happen. It's fantastic news."

Beckham's England career has come full circle since his petulant kick against Argentina in France 98 saw him sent off and ultimately blamed for England's defeat.

Taylor said: "He has good experience, is playing well and deserves it.

"I spoke to Steve McClaren about it and he thought David was a good choice.

"I told David this morning and he is delighted. I think he will respond in the correct fashion.

Temperament

"He is captain for one game, as that's how long I am charge for the moment, and I have no worries about his temperament. I have been impressed with him since the World Cup in 1998.

"He took a lot of stick after being sent off but handled it very well. It looks to me like he badly wants to play for Manchester United and England. He loves his football."

Taylor, though, is undecided about where to play Beckham, who played on the flanks on Wednesday night when Dynamo Kiev were beaten in the Champions League.

"I will talk to David on Sunday when we meet up about whether he wants to play through the middle or on the right," said the Leicester manager.

Keegan said when he appointed Beckham to the vice-captain's role he felt he would be a future England captain.

"He's a leader and that's what's important," said the former England boss.

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