BECKHAM, 'COMMAND AND CLASS'

Last updated : 16 June 2002 By Editor
'What the captain brings to England's performance besides a sense of
command and class is cool. From the tips of his dyed roots to the shine on his
white boots, he emits an aura.

It is a rare commodity at this tournament. For all the quality on show, for all
the millionaires who have arrived and/or departed, there has not been much
of what you would regard as a buzz. Beckham, a pop star in shorts, at least
provides that. He does so too in the manner of passing and the way in which
he can make the football talk.

He hasn't been wholly convincing with his free-kicks, but last night in the Big
Swan he had his passing on song again. In glimpses, the World Cup had its
star player. It has been some search finding him.