LIFE AND DEATH

Beckham argued that these soldiers were putting their lives on the line while
he was involved in "just a football match at the end of the day". Beckham
loves football with a passion but he has never been seduced by the theory
that his favoured pursuit is more important than life or death.

The captain that England fans are currently lauding could not be further
removed from past incumbents. He likes a trip down the catwalk, has been
known to don a sarong and even talks about getting in touch with his feminine
side. His idea of a blow-out in a restaurant is to order extra broccoli.

Beckham is the most inspiring of role models as a player and person,
eschewing alcohol and devoted to his growing family. He has tattoos but they
are inspired more by his toying with Buddhism than Budweiser and he keeps
them covered so as not to offend Japanese sensitivities.

Maybe having a captain who loves dressing up helps explain why England
fans turn every match out here into a fancy-dress party. There are few more
amusing sights in this endless spectacle of a competition than the ultra-formal
security staff frisking Crusaders with bacofoil swords, at least four fake
Queens and some kimono-clad blokes who should know better at their age
and size. Inspired by Beckham and Eriksson, long may the fans' party last.'