The England Captain put the frustrations of an unlucky Euro 2004 exit behind him here in Newcastle to prove he is still the man to fear when the Three Lions hit top form.

And to make things even better for Sven-Goran Eriksson, he was also boosted by a goal from key striker Michael Owen and a wonder strike from young hopeful Wright- Phillips.

The Manchester City winger ran half the length of the pitch before sliding home England's third in a 3-0 victory and will rightly earn many of the back-page headlines for his high-energy and highly skilled display.

But Beckham, whose collection of headlines is probably bigger than most, proved a point of his own to fans across the globe after dealing with some rare criticism this summer.

The midfielder produced some hard-working and solid performances at Euro 2004 as England reached the quarter-finals, and by no means let his country down. But he has since admitted he wasn't at his absolute best and never quite reached the peaks he is capable of.

Whether that was down to lack of sharpness on the field or more to do with off-the-field problems weighing heavily on his mind no-one will know.

But there is no keeping a good man down, and one thing Beckham can never be accused of is shirking a challenge.

That much he showed in the first half of the season at Real Madrid last year, when he proved beyond doubt he could become a major star at the Bernabeu and wasn't only there to sell shirts.

This season the challenge starts all over again, and Beckham is clearly more focused than ever.

Just take a look at his programme notes for tonight's game and you'll realise the mental grit that lies behind yet another impressive performance as England Captain.

"Right now I feel as strong and positive as I have in a long time," he said. "It's been an excellent pre-season with Madrid and to meet up with England caps it off perfectly.

"I am looking forward to this season as much as I have done to any season throughout my career. We all feel we are on the verge of something special with England. And if we can realise our potential in Germany in two years' time, we have every chance of bringing home the biggest prize of all."

Those are not the words of a man thinking of handing over the England captaincy, or of a player who is no longer completely focused on winning trophies for club and country.

Beckham's energy was excellent at St James' Park and never more so than when he slid in at the far post to convert John Terry's low cross to put England 1-0 up in the 27th minute.

He also set up England's second with a perfect left-foot cross for Michael Owen to head home. And he showed his captaincy skills in the way he welcomed youngsters Jermain Defoe and Wright-Phillips into what has become a tight and close-knit England squad.

There were other positives for England, too, as Beckham moved to a central role after the break - proving that he and Wright-Phillips COULD play in the same side if Eriksson chose.

The England boss also wanted his players to put the case for the defence in this friendly fixture, and Ledley King and John Terry responded well.

With Sol Campbell injured and Rio Ferdinand suspended, Eriksson needs a new partnership in place for England's forthcoming World Cup games against Austria and Poland, and this was good preparation.

King looked calm and assured on the ball and showed good pace to head off opponents, while Terry was as commanding and athletic as ever. In fact, the Chelsea man even found time to move forward and set up Beckham's opener.

With Defoe settling in quickly in the second half up front and Wright-Phillips adding his wonder goal, it was a night of positives for the Three Lions.

So roll on the World Cup qualifiers!