On board the Beckham rollercoaster

Beckham gives a one-fingered salute at certain fans

It was a night of mixed emotions for David Beckham - just one more solo performance of Beauty and the Beast on a world stage.

The mercurial Manchester United star began England's opening Euro 2000 game against Portugal on Monday in sublime style, running Portugal ragged down the right and laying on both goals as Kevin Keegan's men raced into a 2-0 lead in Eindhoven.

He ended it shrouded in yet more controversy, completing England's miserable reversal of fortunes with a one-fingered salute to fans who taunted England's United contingent.

We should not have been surprised. After all, Beckham's career has been chequered with as many peaks as troughs since he signed professional terms with United in 1991.

Unpredictable force

The Red Devil has been more like a Tasmanian Devil ever since, as predictable as the weather as he evolved into England's only truly world class player.

Beckham's highs and lows

High: Stars for England against Portugal

Low: Gives fans a one-fingered salute after same game

High: Signs a five-year club deal and helps Man Utd to Treble

Low: Sent off in Brazil after high challenge

High: Scores magnificent 25-yard free-kick against Colombia at France 98

Low: Sent off for a petulant kick against Argentina in next game

His previous appearance in a major championships with England was the best example of his Jeckyll and Hyde existence.

The euphoria surrounding Beckham's first - and to date only - goal in an England shirt, a trademark free kick that saw England reach round two of the 1998 World Cup at the expense of Colombia, was still in the air as Glenn Hoddle's side lined up against Argentina.

Yet Beckham tumbled dramatically off cloud nine with a petulent kick at Diego Simeone that earned him a red card as England's ten men crashed out on penalties at the end of a game they had previously dominated.

Fans' abuse

The incident threw open the floodgates for a stream of abuse that has followed Beckham to Belgium and Holland via every Premiership ground in the country.

Sent off against Argentina in France

Initially Beckham handled the abuse well as he concentrated on his football and his new family, signing a new five-year deal at Old Trafford for starters.

Yet, just as it seemed he had come of age with some disciplined football to help United to an unprecedented treble, Beckham hit the self-destruct button again.

United's disappointing form at the World Club Championships in Brazil earlier this year was eclipsed by another red card after he kicked out at Necaxa's Jose Milian.

David Beckham with wife, Victoria

It came just days after his wife, Spice Girl Victoria, had claimed her husband liked to wear her underwear - though she later claimed the comment was made in jest.

Having already shrugged off press ridicule over his penchant for wearing skirts and sarongs, Beckham bounced back again.

Yet still the highs and lows arrived in equal measures.

Beckham helped United race away to their sixth Premiership title in eight years last season, but had already courted controversy with a V-sign to Leeds fans who mocked him, his wife and his baby son, Brooklyn.

Fergie fall-out

His return from the World Club Championships was quickly followed by a much-publicised row with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson following a late night on the town, but he responded superbly to end the season on a high with a flourish of goals.

1997 PFA young player of the year

Beckham spectacularly hit the headlines with United in the 1996/97 season.

It started with a famous goal from his own half on the opening day of the season against Wimbledon and included his first England cap under Hoddle and his engagement to Posh Spice.

The only controversy surrounded his choice of clothes.

Beckham has had more highlights in his career than he has had in his hair, yet they all seemed to be diluted by controversy.

Any father or husband in the land - Kevin Keegan included - might excuse him for reacting to what was allegedly shouted from the stands in Eindhoven and Leeds.

Yet Beckham somehow has to learn to live in the spotlight - starting against Germany in Charleroi on Saturday.