Captain David Beckham says England will have the belief they were missing in 2002 when they open their 2006 World Cup campaign next month.

Beckham, echoing the views of coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, senses a new self-confidence in England four years after an injury-hit side bowed out of the quarter-finals to Brazil.

"We have got the belief this time," Beckham told reporters during a visit to the new Wembley Stadium. "You have to have that to do well in a competition.

"Where it is this time, in Europe, is better for the team physically. But I think the belief in the team comes from the young lads, the experienced lads, the manager and the coaching staff.

"It's the confidence we've got in each other and in the manager. We've young and experienced players who have been in big games and have had great performances in them.

"That's where the belief and the confidence comes from."

In Japan, England were missing midfielder Steven Gerrard and right back Gary Neville through injury, Beckham was still not fully fit after breaking a bone in his foot and Michael Owen was carrying an injury when they faced the Brazilians.

In Germany, all should be fit.

"I feel good," said the 31-year-old. "Physically, I'm going into this competition, touch wood, without any broken bones. Physically and mentally I feel great. It's perfect."

Striker Wayne Rooney has since emerged on the world stage and should be back from a broken foot and promising youngsters such as Aaron Lennon, Stewart Downing and 17-year-old Theo Walcott are itching to get their chances.

Walcott, yet to play for Arsenal since joining them in January, was a surprise choice by Eriksson but is gradually settling into life at the top level of the game.

"He's great," Beckham said. "He makes you feel really old actually... he was a bit quiet the first few days but he's really showing what he's got. He's a really talented player."

As for himself, the Real Madrid midfielder believes he is far from at the end of his international career.

"I believe there's more to come, at least another four or five years left in my legs and hopefully that'll be as an England player as well as a Real Madrid player," he said.

England open their World Cup campaign against Paraguay on June 10 in Group B before going on to face Trinidad and Tobago and Sweden.