England captain David Beckham has said he is looking forward to a return to Portman Road on Wednesday after being impressed with the atmosphere on his previous visit.

Beckham was in the Manchester United side which drew 1-1 with Town early in the 2000/01 season, the midfielder scoring the United goal.

Beckham, whose wife Victoria is expected to be watching on Wednesday from a Britannia Stand executive box, says: "It was a great atmosphere that night. I can remember the fans were really up for it and the players were too.

"It is a closed-in ground so it will generate a great atmosphere and I'm really looking forward to going back there.

"I'm good friends with [Richard] Wrighty and we spent a lot of time together when I was living in Manchester and I have mentioned how I scored against him with a freekick that night."

England will continue their preparations at the Five Lakes Country Club near Maldon in Essex today while Croatia are based closer to town and will be training on the main pitch at Potman Road this evening. Last night they had a session at the club's Playford Road Training Centre.

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