Beckham's indispensable, not perfect

Peter Taylor, the man who, as caretaker England manager, first made Beckham captain, would also like to see him do more.

"I'd like to see him do what the Dutch wingers do so well," said Taylor. "That is, spin away from the marking full-back and chase a pass into the box."

Yet Alan Ball, another member of England's World Cup-winning team all those years ago, is a Beckham fan. Ball was famous for his non-stop running, and believed that Beckham's energetic and inspiring performance at Old Trafford put the lethargy of some of his team-mates to shame.

Ball couldn't understand why the rest of the team didn't follow Beckham's example. Few could deliver a cross or strike a free-kick with Beckham's pace and accuracy but all, without exception, could have at least tried to match his diligence and work rate.

Beckham has learned from one of the modern game's most resolute captains, Bryan Robson, and has much of his mental strength. This, of course, is what has helped him come to terms with his own fame. He has had to be strong. No England captain in the past has provoked such global attention. Beckham, though, can survive the scrutiny. Marriage, fatherhood and the captaincy have conspired to make him a responsible, yet charismatic, figurehead for English football.

He remains totally committed on the pitch, but he has learned the value of controlling his aggression.

Four years ago, after that costly display of petulance in France 98, you wouldn't have guaranteed his safety in the streets of his native Leytonstone, never mind Liverpool. But those days are over. The lynch mob has gone. He's even had that rarest of acclamations for a Manchester United star - a standing ovation at Anfield. But to be one of the true greats of international football you really need to play in a World Cup-winning team like Pele, Franz Beckenbauer or Bobby Charlton.

He has that opportunity next summer, of course, and perhaps the unfortunate Taylor, sacked by Leicester, will be given the chance to rejoin England's coaching setup and work with Beckham once again. Taylor knew that he'd take good care of the captain's armband when he gave it to him for the first time against Italy last November. He was dead right.

Taylor said: "I knew him well enough to believe that he would thrive on the responsibility.

"A lot had happened in his life and he had handled it all and learned to cope. Now you would have to say that he's an ideal role model for young players."

There is no doubt that Beckham has benefited enormously from Taylor's foresight. In his home in Southend, Taylor has a photograph of the two of them together. Beckham's inscription reads: "Thanks for giving me the chance."

Beckham made the most of the chance. His influence and Michael Owen's goals will now make England one of the big players on the world stage next summer.

Beckham has shown us how much he cares for England and today, unlike four years ago, England cares very much for Beckham.