Beckham sees Capello's passion as the key to England success

(GETTY IMAGES)

David Beckham believes that Fabio Capello's dedication to football will bring success to England.

The 33-year-old former national captain has seen first hand the Italian's application, both with England and Real Madrid. Beckham has been impressed with the passion of Capello, who has also coached Milan, Roma and Juventus, and replaced Steve McClaren as England manager in December.

Beckham said: "He is passionate about football. He has a total dedication to this sport.

"I think he is one of the coaches who spends most time watching football, talking about football, analysing football – and this shows the passion that he feels for his work.

"He always wants the best for his team and for his players. Now that he is England coach I am sure that things are going to go well.

"He is an ambitious coach who only wants to win – and he is someone with a lot of success behind him."

In Paris yesterday, France, who had suffered the shock of an early Euro 2008 exit, celebrated the 10th anniversary of their 3-0 World Cup final triumph against Brazil with a commemorative game between their former heroes and an international XI at a packed Stade de France.

Zinedine Zidane's side drew 3-3 with an international team guided by the Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger. Emilio Butragueño, the oldest player on the pitch at 45, scored the opener for the international side in the first half.

Playmaker Zidane, who scored two first-half headers against Brazil in 1998, equalised in the second half before Pauleta's volley put the visitors 2-1 ahead.

Ludovic Giuly, not part of the winning 1998 team, got France level again before a late goal from Davor Suker for Wenger's side was equalised by Bernard Diomède for the French.

The France team was complete except for Emmanuel Petit, who scored the third goal in the final's dying moments. Fellow midfielder Patrick Vieira, who played for the last 15 minutes against Brazil, and striker Thierry Henry, who was on the bench 10 years ago, were also missing.