David Beckham will take the role of father figure when England face Italy in a friendly in Turin on Wednesday.

In his first match as caretaker manager of the national side, Peter Taylor named the 25-year-old Manchester United as skipper and his leader on the park.

Taylor believes Beckham has matured as a player and as a person since his infamous sending off against Argentine in the World Cup two years ago when he tangled with Diego Simeone.

And he sees him as just the type of character to steer the next generation of promising kids through a difficult test.

Taylor had a word with Steve McClaren, the Manchester United number two, who is his assistant for the match against Italy, before deciding on Beckham.

He will skipper the side for the first time in what will be his 37th international appearance.

Taylor said: ''He has good experience, is playing well and deserves it. I spoke to Steve McClaren about it and he thought David was a good choice. 'I told David this morning and he is delighted. I think he will respond in the correct fashion.

''He is captain for one game as that's how long I am charge for the moment and I have no worries about his temperament. I have been impressed him since the World Cup in 1998.

''He took a lot of stick after being sent off but handled it very well. It looks to me like he badly wants to play for Manchester United and England. He loves his football.''

Taylor, though, is undecided where to play Beckham, who played on the flanks last night when Dynamo Kiev were beaten in the Champions League.

''I will talk to David on Sunday when we meet up about whether he wants to play through the middle or on the right,'' said the Leicester manager.

Sunderland strike duo Kevin Phillips and Michael Reddy were both celebrating yesterday after a double international tonic. Phillips was one of five strikers in the England squad and 20-year-old Reddy has been called into the Republic of Ireland senior squad for the game against Finland.

It's a boost for both players and if possible it'll make Phillips even more eager to score against his former club Southampton at the Stadium of Light tomorrow.

Sunderland beat the Saints twice last season thanks to ex-Dell boy Kevin and another strike could push the Black Cats marksman right back into the international spotlight.

Reddy meanwhile is excited to have been invited to train with the Irish squad even though he has not started a Premiership game this season.

"To be invited by Mick McCarthy is another step up the ladder," he said