Beckham told a news conference on Monday that England were still on a high after defeating Argentina 1-0, but denied they would underestimate a Nigeria side already assured of a first-round exit.

"To beat one of the best teams in the world and to play well against some of the best players in the world gives us a massive confidence boost going into the third game," Beckham said.

But with a place in the second round beckoning if England can at least draw, he added:

"This one is just as important, if not more important than the Argentina game, because if we slip up now it would be absolutely ridiculous.

"We've got to into this game as if we're playing the world champions."

Asked if he believed England could win the World Cup, he said:

"I said before the competition that going into any competition you've got to believe you can do well and go all the way.

"We're not getting carried away with ourselves. We have beaten one of the best teams in the competition, but there are still a lot of big games coming up."