England captain David Beckham said on Tuesday he was relishing the possibility of a summer break from football for the first time in five years.

Beckham, who will lead England against South Africa in Durban on Thursday, said he would take a long break with his family after Manchester United's championship-winning season.

"I had always agreed with the England manager that I would play in the game against South Africa, but we have agreed after that I go on holiday," he said.

Beckham will also be in Asia on a brief promotional tour and in the United States with the Manchester United. "In all about seven days of business for me," he told reporters.

"It's definitely important me for me to get a rest. It was a long and tough season. We had some ups and downs but I enjoyed winning the championship.

"The rest will do a lot for me personally and hopefully I'll go back for the new season with a lot less pressure.

"I do feel tired after a long season. It was up and down for the whole team and the effort you put in really takes it out of you."

Beckham said he was hoping for a full run against South Africa after coach Sven-Goran Eriksson confirmed he would start with his strongest line-up in the friendly international.

"It would be nice to play more than 45 minutes. I wanted to come here as England captain as it is obviously an important trip."