By Paul Fletcher

Woodgate completes Real move

Spanish giants Real Madrid will have a distinctly English feel about them this season following defender Jonathan Woodgate's transfer to the club.

Woodgate joins England captain David Beckham and striker Michael Owen at the Bernabeu.

The three England internationals will now form the backbone of the side.

Former AC Milan and Monaco striker Mark Hateley reckons Real's England connection could provide the Spanish team with an ingredient clearly missing as their trophy assault faltered last season.

Real ended without any silverware following a disastrous run of form after the turn of the year that cost coach Carlos Queiroz his job.

But Hateley reckons the English players will add a new dimension to a team liberally sprinkled with Galacticos.

"Real are trying to find the right blend," Hateley told BBC Sport.

"With three English players they are certainly investing in fighting spirit - and with so many playmakers at the club that is probably what they have been missing."

Real have also signed Argentine defender Walter Samuel from Roma as they looked to shore up a porous defence.

It is always good to be able to share your problems with somebody of a similar mentality Mark Hateley

But the summer arrivals at the Bernabeu face a crucial period if they are to be a success at their new home.

"The first thing you need to do is not only win over your new team-mates but impress the fans," added Hateley.

"The bedding down period is crucial - especially when you go to a massive club like AC Milan or Real Madrid.

"It is quite an intimidating place to go and play even if you are joining from the likes of Manchester United or Liverpool.

"If you don't get the fans on board after the first month or so you find it very hard to do so thereafter and it is always an uphill struggle."

Hateley joined Milan as a 21-year-old from Portsmouth in 1984 and enjoyed three seasons at the San Siro before spending three years at French side Monaco.

Real sign Owen

Upon arriving in Italy he sought out the advice and wisdom of compatriot and team-mate Ray Wilkins.

He reckons it was a massive help as he settled in a new country.

Hateley adds: "If you are married or have a girlfriend that's fine and - but in the workplace it is slightly different situation.

"If you have someone there with the same mentality and day-in day-out problems it's a big, big help."

And the arrival of Owen and Woodgate could also have a beneficial effect on Beckham as he tries to rediscover the form that made his opening months at Real such a success.

"I think it will be good for Beckham, after all it is always good to be able to share your problems with somebody of a similar mentality," he said.

"Look at the Graeme Souness and Trevor Francis situation at Sampdoria - both of them survived there and had a good time there. The fact they had each other was, I would say, a big factor.

"At the other end of the scale was Ian Rush at Juventus. It was not an ideal situation for him. He did not have a player there to share his problems with him."

And if this time next season Real are preparing to defend their haul of trophies there will be no doubt that the Spanish club were wise to invest in the best of British.