The Manchester United star has had an amazing World Cup so far. He was shocked to be left out of the starting line-up against Tunisia but has now answered a lot of his critics with an excellent display against Colombia. Beckham's ability from set-pieces cannot be underestimated and he scored arguably the finest free-kick of the tournament with his long-range shot in the first half.

I still believe his best position is wide on the right where England can make the most use of his crossing ability but I am delighted to see him in the side. It was a huge act of faith for Hoddle to play him in that key central mid-field role for such a crucial game. It was undoubtedly the biggest test of Beckham's glittering career so far and he acquitted himself well.

When Hoddle played David Batty and Paul Ince together Englandlacked attacking flair. Beckham provides that and he has almost certainly booked his place in the starting line-up for the crunch match against Argentina. The other change was Michael Owen replacing Teddy Sheringham and the Liverpool youngster proved he has the pace to terrify defences at the highest level.

At times he looked a little bit raw but at least he gets himself in decent scoring positions.

You always have a chance in the knock-out stages but Argentina must be favourites to beat England.

Gabriel Batistuta and Ariel Ortega are one of the most potent strike-forces around and will push Glenn Hoddle's preferred system of playing three defenders at the back of the limit. From what we have seen so far Argentina along with France, Germany and Brazil must be the favourites to lift the famous gold trophy.

There is a lot of quality in the last 16 with Spain the only shock-exit from the first round. I expect a few more in the second stage with Nigeria making it to the quarter-finals by beatingDenmark.

It will be a game too far for Paraguay and their colourful goalkeeper Jose Chilavert when they take on France in the last sixteen. His skills could be tested to breaking point by France.

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(Peter Shilton won 125 international caps for England and played in three World Cups).