'Beckham deserves another 20 caps'

By Chris Mason Europe correspondent, BBC News, Seville

Many fans think Beckham deserves his place in the England squad

Alan Widdowson, from Mansfield in Nottinghamshire, sums up the mood here.

Along the narrow streets and in the small plazas of Seville city centre, it is thought about 4,000 England fans are enjoying the winter sunshine.

They are hoping to see David Beckham equal Sir Bobby Moore's outfield record of collecting 108 England caps.

Mr Widdowson, 41, sits back with a tankard of lager in his wicker chair in a pavement cafe bar.

He's not a 90-minute player any more but as a substitute he's great England fan Steve Wright

"He's a role model, he works hard, let's hope he plays."

The game against Spain is the first of two friendly fixtures before qualifying matches for the World Cup in South Africa next year resume in April.

England manager Fabio Capello has made it clear he only picks players, whoever they might be, if they are fit, performing well and playing regularly.

Beckham has not always ticked those boxes and in the past has been left out.

But now, with his fitness and form undisputed during a loan spell with AC Milan, he has his chance.

Nigel Rogers, 52, from Swanwick in Derbyshire, said: "He is real role model. He deserves another 20 caps, not just one or two.

The Spain clash will be Steve Wright's 280th England game

"I think he will still be fit for the World Cup because he keeps himself in shape. He is playing well in Milan and it only takes one free kick to win a game.

"He is class. He has got all the fans' backing."

At a neighbouring table Steve Wright, from Watford in Hertfordshire, is proudly wearing an England shirt with 'Beckham' on the back.

This is the 280th England game he has been to. Mr Wright has been following England since 1973.

While critics, including some former England players, have accused Beckham of picking up so-called "cheap" caps for his country by coming on late as a substitute, Mr Wright believes that is where his strength now lies.

"He's not a 90-minute player any more but as a substitute he's great and he could be great in the World Cup. The youngsters coming through look up to him, he's a great asset to the squad."

Racist chants

And an asset England might need as they take on the reigning European Champions and the national side currently ranked number one in the world by governing body FIFA.

The match is taking place in Seville because the last time England played Spain away, in Madrid four years ago, Spanish supporters shouted racist chants at England players Ashley Cole and Shaun Wright Phillips.

There is a widespread hope there will be no such problems this time.

But among the orange trees, the lagers and the sunshine there are plenty of riot police too.

With kick off not until 2200 local time [2100 GMT] and a fiery atmosphere the last time these sides met in Spain, the potential for trouble cannot be ruled out.

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