Beckham: I've grown up

David Beckham receives a red card at France 98

When David Beckham travelled to France for the World Cup in 1998, his dazzling ability meant he had the world at his feet.

He returned from the tournament with a huge question mark hanging over his head - about his ability to cope with the pressure of performing on the biggest stage.

Much can change for a young footballer in two years, and as England take their place in the competitive arena once more, David Beckham believes he has moved on, grown up, and is ready for a new challenge.

In the moment when he petulantly kicked out at Diego Simeone, Beckham was catapulted into the worst-possible limelight.

Victoria was a massive strength to me after the World Cup - we had also just found out about Victoria being pregnant which was an even bigger help

David Beckham

He received death threats, his parents' home was besieged by reporters for weeks, and he became a constant target for abuse from fans the length and breadth of the country.

It could have been enough to destroy the career of much more seasoned players.

But he believes the support of his family pulled him through and having dealt with the rigours of the domestic game, he is ready to bring his new-found strength into the international arena.

He said: "It is different when you go into a European Championships or something - but I've changed a lot in the past two years.

"I've learned a lot and achieved a lot with Man United and that has put me in good stead for these championships."

He added: "What happened against Argentina does not still haunt me.

"I think people would like to think it still does. But you move on from these things - you have to or else it can affect you. I've moved on from that and I'm a stronger person."

David Beckham is now a model player on and off the pitch

Beckham admits the knowledge he was to become a father helped put everything in perspective in the aftermath of England's exit.

"Because I went straight to America after France 98, my family bore the brunt of the what was coming to me - and that was a big thing for them because they're not used to that sort of thing.

"For normal people, handling 20 or 30 press people outside you're house is not something you're used to and my mum and dad, and the rest of my family did amazingly well.

"They're the reason I'm the person I am today and where I am today - they got me here. I worked hard but they're the reason."

He also pays tribute to his then girlfriend, Spice Girl Victoria Adams, whom he married in 1999.

"Victoria was a massive strength to me after the World Cup. We had also just found out about Victoria being pregnant (with their son Brooklyn) which was an even bigger help. But everyone, around me comforted me in the way that I needed.

"I knew I was going to get the stick I did when I went back playing for Manchester United, but I knew when I was back around the players and the manager that I was safe and that was the most important thing to me.

Achieving what I have done at Manchester United at the age of 24 or whatever was amazing. But winning something with England could add to that

David Beckham

"The Manchester United fans never doubted me and that's why I am still here and playing well."

Beckham says he is looking forward to proving he can play as well for England as he has done for his club in the past two years.

"I think there a lot of people out there who doubt what I do for England and my performances so it's important for me to show what I can actually do," he said.

He is also aware that having been named second in the FIFA World Players of the Year, sandwiched between Rivaldo and Batistuta, all eyes will be upon him in Euro 2000.

"I think I've played well at international level, but I think I can play better. I've scored one goal in 30 games. It's not bad and I'm proud of that goal but I'd like to get some more.

He is also anxious to build on the success he has achieved at club level with international success.

"Achieving what I have done at Manchester United at the age of 24 or whatever was amazing. But winning something with England could add to that.

He added: "I've still got a lot to learn at international level and club level.

"Winning something with England would top everything off."