GOLDEN BALLS SHINES THROUGH
Beckham truly came of age as he provided both the guts and the glory in an otherwise lacklustre England side which staggered its way to a 2-2 draw with Greece at Old Trafford.
The Manchester United star was inspirational in accepting the responsibility for an awful English performance, turning the match into a one-man show.
And his wife, Spice Girl Victoria, will be delighted that 'Golden Balls' has shone through once again.
"I certainly lived up to the wife's nickname," he beamed after the match.
"She calls me Golden Balls regularly and I'm sure she will be calling me that for some time to come after this."
Although a case could be argued that it was the character of the outstanding 26-year-old which won the day, Beckham was quick to laud the never-say-die attitude of his below-par team-mates.
"The whole day was a bit tense, to be honest," he continued. "Of course we didn't play as well as we could have but I've said in the past that tremendous character exists in this team and that is what got us through.
"For me personally, to score the goal at Old Trafford that takes us into the World Cup finals is unbelievable.
"I said in the week that the nation needed to lift the team and they certainly contributed to the result today.
"There is an evident need to improve if we are going to do well in the World Cup finals. But at least we have time to work on that.
"We are a very young team, we have great character and if we can take that character into future games there is no reason why we shouldn't go far."
Beckham is convinced that the calming influence of Swedish coach Sven Goran Eriksson and his backroom staff is the reason behind the team's triumphant march to the 2002 World Cup finals.
"The players have come in and worked hard but there is one man behind all that, and that's Sven Goran Eriksson.
"I think I should also mention Peter Taylor under the circumstances because he did so much hard work.
"I had half a mind on the German game but it wasn't until my free-kick went in that I knew they had only drawn. I went straight to the referee and asked him to blow the whistle.
"Of course people will say that is the most important I've ever scored. I would only say we have a very important tournament coming up this summer - and I would hope to score better ones if the opportunity arises."
Meanwhile, a delighted Eriksson returned the favour by acknowledging the huge contribution made by his skipper.
"He played one of the best games I have ever seen him play. He ran all over the pitch and he was a real captain for his country. I am so happy that he scored the goal.
"But overall I don't think we played very well today. It was fantastic afternoon of high drama and hopefully, in the future, not every other game will be like this one.
"You sit on the bench and of course you worry. But the important thing is not to lose faith because the game isn't over until the last kick.
"And then you're very lucky when you bring on someone like Teddy Sheringham and they score within 10 seconds or so.
"I'm very happy that we are in the World Cup finals and I'm very happy we have avoided the play-offs.
"At least now we can plan for the World Cup and that is the first step in something that can be very beautiful."
