Mature Becks can fire England to Euro glory: Real boss

David Beckham's boss at Real Madrid believes the England captain has matured significantly playing in Spain and tipped him to be one of the stars of Euro 2004.

Real coach Carlos Queiroz believes Beckham has benefited from being switched to the centre of midfield as well as playing alongside the likes of Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane.

"There is no doubt about it that David has improved as a player since coming to Europe," Queiroz told BBC radio.

"He has become stronger, the quality of his football has grown - now he can play in a variety of positions."

Queiroz added: "After playing one year with the likes of Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo, I believe he has grown up a lot."

"He can conduct the game from different positions. He will be vital for England in the summer during Euro 2004."

"When he plays in that central position for Real Madrid, the responsibility is much more than when he was playing on the right side."

"Playing the number of the games - 35 to 40 matches a season - with the responsibility to decide the rhythm of the game, the point of the attack, short and long passes, everything has improved about him - his skills and his vision."

"I believe he is a lot stronger than when was at United. I also really believe he really enjoys this position."

England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson meanwhile has voiced confidence that Beckham's performances in Portugal will not be affected by the furore over his alleged extra-marital affairs.

"You can be quite sure that Beckham will not be disturbed by it as a professional footbal player," Eriksson said.

"When he goes out to play against France (in England's opening match) he will put everything out of his mind."

"But it would be a pity building up to a big tournament if all the talking is around David Beckham and his private life."

"It would be bad for football, bad for the team and bad for Beckham. I hope by then people are bored to read it and hear it any more."