Beckham thanks Japanese for World Cup welcome

Captain David Beckham says the warmth of England's reception by Japanese people during the 2002 World Cup will remain with him forever.

Writing in the programme notes before England's friendly against Japan in Manchester on Tuesday, Beckham said: "Japan will always be special to me.

"The depth of emotion that the Japanese people showed to us is something I'll never forget."

"It's a great pleasure to welcome them to our country and I'm sure we'll extend them the same kind of warmth they showed us."

Beckham, along with striker Michael Owen, were hugely popular with young people in both Japan and tournament co-hosts South Korea during their run to the World Cup quarter-finals.

For England, Tuesday's game is a warm-up for Euro 2004 in Portugal, where Beckham is keen to make amends for their last eight defeat by eventual world champions Brazil at Shizuoka.

"I honestly believed that we were going to go on and win the 2002 World Cup, so to go out at the quarter-final stage, even to such a talented team as Brazil, was a bitter pill to swallow."

"The desire not to experience that kind of feeling again in Portugal will be a huge driving force for us as we try to go all the way this time around."

England start their campaign on June 13 against holders France before going on to face Switzerland and Croatia in Group B in the June 12-July 4 tournament.