Why new Beckham is quietly confident

Eriksson's respect for Beckham has grown just as the player's maturity has evolved over the past year. Privately, the Swede may have harboured-initial doubts over naming Beckham as his captain, but they have long since been dissipated.

Eriksson said: 'When you are on the outside and in other countries, you see a lot of photographs of David and his wife and son and you don't know him or what he is like.

'Then when you do get to know him you find there is real character there. He is not only a big player for his country but a big captain as well.'

That character was exemplified to the full at Old Trafford last month, with the moment of pure genius that not only ensured England qualified automatically for the World Cup, but may also nudge Beckham over the winning line in Zurich.

As Beckham stood poised to take the injury-time free-kick against Greece, he had perhaps the only cool head in Manchester. As Eriksson said: 'There is nobody else in world football I'd rather have taking a free-kick in that situation.'

That tribute is sufficient in itself to explain how much Eriksson thinks of Beckham, but the sheer dedicationthe Manchester United man has demonstrated since taking the baton of leadership has seen him move up a level even from the performances he gave before.

Under previous boss Kevin Keegan in particular, Beckham's flank delivery - from set-pieces and open play - was England's main source of chances, yet at times he found himself isolated on the right, not receiving the service he and England needed.

Now, though, not only does Beckham demand the ball from his role as captain - but he also goes searching for possession, inspiring his colleagues in the process.

It has been tantamount to a peacock suddenly developing new and even brighter feathers, with his England goals return mirroring his even more pivotal role. Beckham's first 38 England games saw him score once, that memorable freekick against Colombia in Lens in France 98, just days before his darkest footballing hour against Argentina, when he was sent off.

But since Eriksson confirmed him as his captain, Beckham has scored five goals in 10 games, including that unforgettable moment against the Greeks.

Two years ago, Beckham was slightly upset at being placed third behind Rivaldo, having raised his hopes that he would receive the accolade.

Yet Eriksson's work in turning England around has been the talk of football. The man who has done most to make that possible is Beckham. Nobody, surely, would begrudge him the honour if it does come his way next month.

Manchester United's performances came under attack at yesterday's annual meeting from shareholder Keith Thorpe, who said: 'This team isn't going to finish in the top four, and if the board think the likes of Beckham and Veron will stay and not play in the European Cup then they're in for a shock.'

Shareholders were also told that they are at the mercy of corporate predators who could plunge United into a damaging repeat of the bitter 1998 BSkyB takeover battle.

Chief executive Peter Kenyon, who also denied any approach had been made to Sven Goran Eriksson to be the club's next manager, said: 'We are concerned. We can't stop a bid happening, and if something of that nature happens then we are charged with addressing it.'