Beckham acclaimed as saviour of a nation

David Beckham was acclaimed as the saviour of a nation on Saturday after his triumphant return to the England soccer team.

Beckham, 32, recalled after he was dropped from the squad following last year's World Cup, created England's goal in the 1-1 draw with Brazil at the new Wembley stadium on Friday.

Writing in The Times, Simon Barnes said Beckham had written his own script after his international career had apparently ended.

"It doesn't pay to have too hard-headed a grasp of reality if you seek to become a great athlete," Barnes wrote.

"To achieve greatness in sport, you must have the ability to perform miracles and miracles don't come from people who see life in humdrum terms.

"Athletes often live in a fantasy world as a matter of professional necessity.

"Beckham set out to rescue his manager, his team, his country. He really does see things in such terms."

Reporting in The Guardian, Dominic Fifield said a national icon had re-established his credentials on the biggest stage.

"Victory may have been denied the hosts but the script had always dictated that this would be his night."

Andy Hunter in The Independent said Brazilians had never understood the English fascination with Beckham.

"They should have a greater appreciation of his worth to England this morning, however, after a return from the international wilderness that illustrated how Beckham is often the only potent threat this team carries," he said.