Beckham move will make him better, says Hargreaves

David Beckham's transfer to Real Madrid will help make him a better player for England, says his national midfield team mate Owen Hargreaves.

The Bayern Munich midfielder is well qualified to make his point. He is the only member of Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad now plying his trade outside of England apart from Beckham.

Beckham moved to Real for 35 million euro in July after finally leaving United having joined them as an apprentice.

"It was a great move for him," Hargreaves told reporters. "If you are going to leave Manchester United the only place you can go is Real Madrid as there is no other club that competes with Manchester United like Real Madrid."

"Maybe he did need a fresh start or new surroundings. He has performed very well for them at the start and it will benefit himself and the England team as well."

Beckham has been an instant success in Spain despite fears he may be overshadowed by the likes of Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane. Hargreaves feels the national team captain will become as crucial to Real Madrid as he is to England.

"He showed he is a key figure in our team and everything revolves around him. He creates chances and wins games," he added.

"Against Croatia he scored the first one, set up the second and scored the penalty as well. He just creates problems for other teams. He has shown that for five years and I think he will be the leader of our team for a long time."

Hargreaves is hoping to press his claim for a return to the England team when they play a European Championship Group Seven qualifier in Macedonia on Saturday.

He won a place in England's 2002 World Cup team before suffering an injury in the win over Argentina in his second game and has only been used as a substitute since.

"It's been a bit of bad luck. The only injuries I have suffered in my career have been with England. It's a shame but keeping fit is an important part of the game," he added.

"I want to play against Macedonia. They have shown they are a great side. Everyone thinks these small countries will be a walkover but it never is."

"They came here and drew with England (2-2) and that just showed everybody what they are capable of. They played very well against Turkey as well. I think it will be difficult going there although we are confident of getting the points we need."