Beckham star-struck by Platini

David Beckham met UEFA president Michel Platini as part of his charm offensive on behalf of England's bid for the 2018 World Cup and admitted to being "star-struck" by the legendary Frenchman.

Beckham spent half an hour with Platini and also had a breakfast meeting with Issa Hayatou, the head of the African federation. The midfielder presented both FIFA executive committee members with a signed England shirt - and asked Platini to sign a French shirt for him.

"I was quite star-struck by meeting Michel Platini - he's a hero of so many people. Everyone has watched him play on TV and my dad was a huge fan of the way he played," said Beckham.

"Just to sit down and have a coffee with him this morning was special."

Beckham also warned that England could not afford to be complacent about their campaign.

He added: "Everything has been so positive, it's just about keeping it going and not being arrogant.

"That's a big thing - just because we are England doesn't mean we are going to get the bid and get the World Cup in our country. We realise there is a lot of hard work to be done and we have to be prepared to do that.

"I've always said I would do everything I can to bring the World Cup to the country.

"Many fathers will be thinking about being able to take their children to matches in the World Cup in England and I'm no different."