The pair first met as teenagers at Old Trafford and after winning the FA Youth Cup together in 1992 went on to become Manchester United heroes.

Beckham, of course, has since moved to Real Madrid but the duo will be reunited this weekend in a crucial World Cup qualifier between Giggs’ Wales and Beckham’s England.

Giggs said: "It’s great for me personally to be captain in such a big game – especially playing against so many of my club teammates like Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney.

"Becks is obviously captain of England as well and we will walk out there together. Ten years ago we probably wouldn’t have dreamt of that!

"It’s great to see Becks as captain, though, and it will be a great occasion. I still keep in touch with him, not as much as I used to. But I keep in touch will all my teammates from those early United days."

Giggs admits he is desperate to beat England, not least because he will have to face the likes of Ferdinand, Rooney, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes when he returns to United a few days later.

He said: "I have a lot of teammates who are English and that gives it extra spice.

"I was disappointed last year when we lost 2-0 to England at Old Trafford. I wouldn’t say I took a lot of stick but it wasn’t nice to go back to the club after that performance. Hopefully we can do better this time and I can go back to United smiling!

"Last time we didn’t produce the football we know we are capable of and we will need to produce a better performance this time."

Giggs knows from experience that United teammate Wayne Rooney can be a real danger to the Welsh in Cardiff, but even though he has inside knowledge of the England man he won’t be singling him out for special treatment.

He added:"I don’t think we can concentrate on one player. England have got so many match winners all over the pitch that if you pay attention just to Rooney then Lampard, Gerrard or Becks will get you. We just have to do our jobs individually to stop them.

"Wayne is a great talent but hopefully he wont’ produce the form he has been producing for United recently. Hopefully he will have an off-day!"