Leicester City manager Peter Taylor has revealed that he is not surprised by the way David Beckham has grown into his role as England captain after handing him the honour for his sole game in charge against Italy last November.
Beckham was as an unexpected choice to lead his country out in Turin as England lost 1-0 to Italy under Taylor's stewardship but he retained the captaincy for Sven-Goran Eriksson's first match (Spain) and has thrived in the role since the Swede's arrival as the team has gone from strength to strength.
It is certainly an amazing turnaround for the man who was vilified by fans nationwide after being sent off against Argentina in World Cup '98 as England were beaten on penalties once again.
But Taylor, who ended his involvement with the national team after the last Greece game friendly to concentrate on managing Leicester, explained that it was the way the Manchester United star handled the World Cup fall out that caused him to name him as captain.
"I just couldn't believe how well he handled himself after the Argentina situation," Taylor admitted.
"He was booed and jeered everywhere he went and I thought what a strong character he must be. So I never had any hesitation in making him skipper.
"I just told him: 'I'm going to announce the squad in a minute and you're the captain', and that was the end of it.
"Now David is very popular, which was unthinkable a couple of years ago."
As well as the pride he so evidently feels wearing the captain's armband Beckham also seems to be taking the added responsibility in his stride and his performances have improved as a result – something that has pleased the Leicester boss.
"The last game I was involved in was the Greece match and I could tell then he was taking to it.
"He talks to his players in the game and the changing room, but not in a dramatic or heavy way. That's the way he is. It's also the way things are now," Taylor added.
"I don't think Sven would want a captain who was heavy-handed."
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