Beckham and Eriksson joined a number of distinguished guests down Wembley Way who were thrilled to see the new 133m high iconic arch which can be seen across London and looked spectacular lit up in the dark.

The new Wembley is scheduled to open for the 2006 FA Cup Final and is set to be one of the greatest football stadiums in world football.

Beckham, in particular cannot wait to play his first game at the new 90,000 stadium and is hopeful it stands out above the other famous grounds across Europe.

Beckham said: "It’s very exciting for me to see the new Wembley and it’s looking magnificent already.

"As England captain, I think England and all the fans deserve a national stadium. Wembley is part of our history and was where we won the World Cup.

"My last game at the old Wembley was not a happy one, so I am looking forward to my first match when the stadium is built.

"There are so many great stadiums in England and Spain, like Old Trafford and the Bernabeu, so the new Wembley has to be different to all the others.

"When I was growing up as a young boy, every footballer dreamed of playing at Wembley with their team or country. This is the ultimate stadium."

Eriksson, who also joined his skipper on stage is relishing the chance to manage the national side at the new Wembley.

England are currently having to play their home games up and down the country while the new national stadium is being built.

But Eriksson said: "If we manage to qualify for the World Cup, I hope we could play a match at the new stadium before the finals take place in Germany. That would be very nice.

"Wembley is the most famous stadium in the world and every footballer and manager wants to perform there.

"I understand this will now become the most beautiful and best ground in the world."

After being interviewed on stage, Beckham and Eriksson met up with the Prime Minister who was also taken aback by the amazing structure which is being constructed.

Mr Blair believes the new Wembley will become the best stadium in the world and can play a big part in England’s bid to win the Olympics for 2012.

Mr Blair said: "I’m thrilled to be here and Wembley has a special place in everyone’s hearts. There is no doubt this is going to be the most spectacular stadium in the world.

"The profits will be ploughed back into the local community which is important and there will also be money for grass roots sports. The local people want something out of having the new Wembley Stadium in their area.

"But it’s also huge for our Olympic bid for 2012. It will show we can build the biggest and the best and is a huge landmark for the future.

"We can be very proud of what we have achieved and I look forward to seeing some fantastic football played here."

Once the speeches had been completed, the Prime Minister and England captain pushed a button which sparked a fantastic fireworks display.

This signalled the start of England’s World Cup qualifying campaign and the countdown to the opening of the new Wembley which is now just two years away.