David Beckham produced an inspirational captain's performance as England swept Ukraine aside with a 3-0 friendly victory that will send Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad into their World Cup qualifying campaign in high spirits.

Beckham, severely criticised for his lacklustre performances at Euro 2004, responded to his critics with a vintage all-action display in which he scored England's opener and made their second for his new Real Madrid team-mate Michael Owen.

A fine evening's work was rounded off when Manchester City midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips, making his international debut as a second-half substitute, fired in a superb solo third.

Eriksson said Beckham had made his point. "For me he has always done very well for England. If he is not the best on the pitch he is criticised and I can't understand that.

"But of course, his performance today was the perfect answer to anyone who ever doubted David Beckham. It was very positive that he had a good performance. It was good for us and it was good for him."