Beckham is England captain

Beckham believes he can become a leader

David Beckham has been confirmed as England captain for new coach Sven Goran Eriksson's first international against Spain.

Eriksson confirmed the Manchester United star as his choice for the Villa Park friendly - and hinted Beckham may be given the job on a long-term basis.

But Eriksson was left with a shadow over his squad after West Ham's Joe Cole suffered an ankle injury and emerged as a doubt to face the talented Spaniards.

Eriksson was more upbeat about the captaincy as he said: "I told David and he was very pleased. I think it is a good idea because he did very well against Italy. I think he can go on doing it."

Eriksson added: "I think in my mind it was always David Beckham who should go on as captain, but it was important to tell the players first before telling everybody else."

  Beckham factfile

1975: Born Leytonstone, 2 May

1991: Joins Manchester United as trainee

1992: Makes United debut against Brighton in League Cup on 23 September. Wins FA Youth Cup

1995: Joins Preston on loan

1996: Helps United win Premiership and FA Cup. Scores goal of the season, lobbing Wimbledon goalkeeper Neil Sullivan from the halfway line. Makes England debut in 3-0 win in Moldova

1997: Voted PFA Young Player of the Year

1998: Scores first England goal, a free-kick against World Cup opponents Colombia. Sent-off in second round penalty shoot-out defeat against Argentina

1999: Becomes a father for the first time and marries pop star Victoria Adams. Voted runner-up in European player of the year awards

2000: Made England captain for the November friendly with Italy

2001: Appointed England captain for the friendly against Spain

And Beckham believes he can grow into the role if Eriksson entrusts him with the job for a long period.

Beckham captained Peter Taylor's young and experimental side in Italy and Eriksson has given him his seal of approval.

Steve McLaren, Beckham's coach at Manchester United, will also have backed Beckham's claims and the player himself is confident he can develop into a long-term leader.

Beckham declared: "I said to myself that if it doesn't happen again, then I can always say I've been England captain.

"Being captain against Italy is something that I will never forget, but it's been important for me to go into the squad and enjoy the training whether I'm captain or not.

"I've never been captain before, apart from in youth teams and once at United when no one else wanted it!

"But players learn different things through their career and if I was to stay captain, then I'm going to have to learn to adapt to that.

"I don't think you can ever presume what's going to happen or expect something though. I've been concentrating on getting into the squad and then doing the business when I'm here.

"It wouldn't really be a huge blow to lose it. Whether captain or not, it's important for me to play well more than anything."

Eriksson has been delighted with his new charges so far, saying: "The quality has been very, very high. I have been very pleased with what I have seen and England has a very good future."