England captain David Beckham defiantly tackled his critics head on today and insisted: "I've got nothing to prove in the World Cup."

The Manchester United midfielder, who yesterday pledged he would be back from his foot injury for the June 2 opening-game showdown with Sweden, believes the snipers still aim snide comments at him - stemming from France 98.

Beckham was infamously sent off for a silly kick as the national team crashed out of the tournament against Argentina, in an incident which sparked the vilification of him by fans and the Press.

"There were ups and downs at the last World Cup, which everyone knows about," he said.

"People are saying I've got to prove myself - but I don't feel I've got to do that. "I'm definitely a stronger person off the pitch now, as I went through a lot at that point and came through it. Now I'm really excited about the World Cup.

I'm looking forward to playing against Argentina. That will be the big game because of all the hype around it.

"But the hype won't overshadow the match in the players' eyes as there's hype about every game, and you have to overcome that.

"People talk about Argentina as a massive game - which it is - but to get off to a good start is a big priority. We need to do that against Sweden."

Beckham does not plan to play in the warm-up games against South Korea and Cameroon. But he will pull on the captain's armband against the Swedes - and he insists the likely absences of Kieron Dyer and Steven Gerrard will only give England's other star players the opportunity to shine.

The England squad flew to Dubai last night for five days of rest and relaxation

As for his own fitness fight, Beckham added: "I've been out for five weeks and my fitness is about 95 per cent, and I'm 95 per cent sure I'll be back for the Sweden game.

"I have to be careful, as if I come back too early there's a chance it could crack again.

"I'll leave it as long as I can, as kicking a ball won't be a problem." Meanwhile, Gerrard's former Liverpool teammate Christian Ziege admits he is not surprised that the England youngster could miss the World Cup with a serious groin injury

The 30 year-old defender, now with Tottenham, said: "It's a bad thing for Stevie and I feel very sorry for him, but I think he already had problems from a long time ago."

"Last season, certainly when I was there at Liverpool, he had problems. So I'm not surprised."