Beckham eager to lay ghost of '98

December 1, 2001

LONDON, Dec 1 (AFP) -- David Beckham on Saturday said he cannot wait for the chance to "lay the ghost of '98" when England tackle Argentina in next summer's World Cup finals.

At a glittering ceremony in Korea, England were drawn in the same group as the South American giants together with Sweden and unpredictable Africans Nigeria. England captain Beckham suffered the worst moment of his international career when he was sent off for lashing out at Diego Simeone when the teams last met in the last 16 in France.

England went on to lose the match on penalties and crash out of the World Cup with Beckham cast as the villain for his petulant kick at Simeone. From that England low point, Beckham has bounced back in stunning fashion, becoming England's skipper and hero - his injury-time free-kick against Greece booking a place in next summer's finals.

Now Beckham has the chance to lock horns with Argentina again when England meet the tournament favourites in Sapporo on June 7. Beckham said: "As a footballer you always want to test yourself against the best and there is no question that this is a highly competitive group.

"They (Argentina, Sweden and Nigeria) are three very different teams with very different styles.

"Personally I can't wait for June 7 - it's a great chance to lay the ghost of '98."