Cole has been forced to wait patiently for his chance to earn a breakthrough into the senior team, but produced a five-star display on the left-hand side of England’s midfield.

The Chelsea midfielder has been in exceptional form for the Premiership leaders over the last few months and clearly took that onto the international stage when he netted the vital opening goal for England at Old Trafford.

And Beckham believes the young superstar can adapt to any position in the England team and prove a major player as they look to secure their place in the World Cup finals next summer.

Beckham said: "It was great for Joey and great for the team because we need that goal to break them down.

"He worked hard - even in the warm down he got a bit of cramp and that showed how hard he's worked and how much he wants it.

"He deserves his chance, no doubt, because of what he'd done week-in and week-out for Chelsea.

"I believe he can play in any position really, but obviously out on the left - he's good with both feet - and he did very well."

Beckham was also full of praise for his Real Madrid team-mate Michael Owen who showed he is still one of the most prolific strikers in the game with a clinical finish to help England on the way to a convincing victory.

The England skipper predicted before the game that Owen would get his name on the score-sheet if he was given a chance in front of goal.

And with another vital World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on Wednesday night, Beckham is hoping his side will have enough quality to secure maximum points and move them a step closer to a place in the finals in Germany next summer.

Beckham added: "Michael is all about scoring important goals for England and Real Madrid - and that's what he's done again.

"I said during the week that if he got a chance he'd take it and thankfully for us, he did. That was a very satisfying win for us.

"Even in the first half when we found it hard to break them down and it was frustrating, we were patient and that's exactly what the manager said at halftime - that we need to show patience.

"The impressive part was how we showed so much confidence - even in the first half the confidence was still there to play our football.

"But only half the job is done - we've got a big game against Azerbaijan coming up, but this result was very pleasing.

"I'm sure Azerbaijan will try to do much the same as Northern Ireland did. All credit for how they worked hard and were tough to break down - especially in the first half.

"But with the quality we have in our side, we can break teams down and thankfully we have the players who can do that."