Beckham has put in some impressive performances for Real Madrid this season, even if results haven't quite gone the right way. And now he wants to show England fans he is more fired up than ever.

The England captain, who has already scored two free-kick goals for his club this season, said: "People ask me if I can get back to my best form against Wales but personally I feel it's back already because in the games I've played in Spain so far this season I've been a lot happier with my performances.

"I know that I was criticised in the last couple of England games and I accept that. Criticism is part of football, it's part of my life and part of many other players' lives as well.

"But I feel my performances for Real Madrid have been good and I'm hoping that playing at Old Trafford against Wales in a massive game I will perform well again. But if I don't play well then I will do what I do in every game and work hard."

Part of the excitement for Becks as he prepares for Saturday's game is the prospect of another run-out at Old Trafford, the ground where he made his name and the place where he became such a hero for Manchester United fans.

It also means a reunion with old friends and colleagues - not to mention a certain Ryan Giggs lining up for the opposition!

"I love coming back to Old Trafford because it's a special place for me personally and a special place for a lot of players," said Beckham. "Anyone who comes to Old Trafford gets an inspiring feeling when they run out there.

"I have got a lot of friends at the club and amongst the fans as well, so coming back is a great feeling for me.

"It's going to be even more special because I have never played against Giggsy before in a different team - and that's going to be a good battle.

"And added to that you have the fact that Mark Hughes is the manager. I'm friends with Mark and I think that what he's done for the Wales team is fantastic.

"Overall, I think it's going to be a heated game and everyone knows that.

England against Wales doesn't happen very often and when it does it's going to be tough. Every player in our team is going to be lifted by this game"

The prospect of seeing Beckham lining up against his old colleague Giggs is a fascinating one, but the England captain is quick to point out that it will be his best man Gary Neville's duty to keep the Welsh winger quiet, not himself!

"I'd like to think it's going to be Gary who wins that one, but when Ryan Giggs plays well there are not many better players around. Hopefully he doesn't have a good game but if he does then Gary will be up against it!"

It's no wonder that Beckham has a healthy respect for the Welsh, who go into the match as underdogs but who have made huge strides in recent years and will feel they can cause an upset.

"I'm not saying we fear them but we have to respect them as a team and respect the players they have got," said Beckham. "They have people like Craig Bellamy who can attack defenders at the back and score goals. And of couse they have Giggsy - and on his day there are not many better than him.

"But we have a strong England side too, and I think having Rio back is a massive boost for the team, the players and the fans.

"He's been out for a long time, but you see with the way he's come back into the Manchester United team what he's done for them. We're hoping that's what he's going to do for us as well."