Beckham going in the right direction

Although unsourced, the claim carries logic. While Beckham played well in a deep-lying midfield role against Wales and Northern Ireland in England's last two matches the rest of the midfield failed to function.

Back at his club, the accountants are boasting Real have ended Manchester United's eight-year reign as the game's biggest revenue generator, with Beckham's global allure a major factor.

Madrid's revenue increased 17 per cent to €275.7m (£187.9m) in the year ended 30 June. United have not published figures for that period, but have warned that they do not expect an increase on last year's figure of £169m for the year to 31 July 2004.

The accounts confirm the fiscal success of president Florentino Perez's galacticos policy, even if it has been less rewarding on the pitch. While sponsorship and merchandising revenue has tripled in five years under Perez, Real have not won a trophy in two seasons. However, Real said that profit had fallen 20 per cent because of salary costs.