Real Madrid and Spain legend Raul has become a close friend of the England captain since Beckham moved to sunnier climes from Manchester United.

But friendship will be put to one side in the Bernabeu as the two come face to face in a prestigious friendly international tomorrow.

Raul said: "This game is very important to me. I have always dreamt about playing against England and now the moment has come.

"This will not be a friendly like other friendlies. England’s level gives the game great importance. I want to triumph and boost the morale of the Spanish team."

Raul has studied England’s game closely and he believes news that Beckham is fit to face the Spanish is bad news for the hosts.

"Beckham will be the man to stop," he insisted. "His free kicks and crosses into the centre are always a danger to rivals.

"He is very important to England but it’s positive that we have a more direct understanding of his game and that the defenders know how to exploit his small faults."

Raul also knows all about the qualities of England striker Michael Owen, who has performed so well alongside him in recent games for Real.

"Owen is at an excellent moment in front of goal," he said. " I am not surprised at his course with Madrid because we are talking about a football superstar. As captain of my club I am happy with his work, but I hope things go badly for him against Spain!"

Raul believes that however well Beckham and Owen play, Spain will give England a real tough battle in the Bernabeu. And there will be no chance of the home team underestimating their rivals.

He said; "We know it will be a difficult game. Honestly, England’s team is, by tradition and results, one of the five or six best in the world. Because of these circumstances, a friendly game of this kind becomes complicated, but it would be sensational if we won.

"I think England, at present, is qualified to win a World Cup because of the quality of its players, but England has a problem that is very similar to that of Spain.

"The problem appears in the large tournaments, in the defining games to get to the semi-finals or final. When you analyse the teams, they are no different to Germany, Italy or Holland or any of the big teams.

"We both need to make the breakthrough. So this will be an interesting test."