Beckham knows what it is like to miss a vital penalty after slipping in the same way as Terry when firing over the bar in a make or break Euro 2004 qualifier against Turkey in Istanbul.

The LA Galaxy star was more fortunate than Terry in that England clung on for a goalless draw to ensure their qualification for the finals in Portugal that summer.

He knows Terry is still suffering inside a week after the misery of Moscow but has no doubts he can recover.

But the central defender took a small step along that road by heading in a trademark Beckham free-kick for England in the 2-0 win over the United States at Wembley on Wednesday evening.

Beckham said: "Just because of his disappointment last week, doesn't change John Terry as a person and a player.

"He is still going to be a top class player, he is still going to be a top class captain and he is still going to be a great sort of guy as well.

"We were all happy he scored the goal for England and put in the performance like he did. You could see the emotion going through him and in his eyes once he scored that goal and was celebrating.

"There was a slight relief there for him but as a team and as team-mates we were all pleased and proud for him.

"You see that passion sometimes. You saw that in Stuart Pearce's face when he scored that penalty in Euro '96 and you saw it in JT's face when he scored against the United States.

"To be captain and also to score a goal at Wembley means a lot to JT and no-one can ever question him when he puts that England shirt or Chelsea shirt on.

"No-one can ever question his passion and dedication."

Beckham continued: "John is still going to be hurting, of course, but he will get over it. It will take time but he will get over it.

"A lot has been made this week of the disappointment JT is going through and you can see the pain in him is still there and it will be there for a while.

"But he is a character who will get over it. He is one of the strongest characters I have ever come across in football. He has got a lot of support within the England team and outside the team and at his club.

"I watched the Champions League final. I think to just step up to take a penalty in that situation means you have to be a strong character and a strong man to do that.

"Penalties are hard because if you score one, you can be a hero and if you miss one, it is different but he was man enough to stand up and take that penalty."

Beckham admitted that head coach Fabio Capello runs a strict regime but is encouraged by the way the side is taking shape.

He said: "The players are learning he is very strict and very serious and, when you train, you train hard, and when you play, you play hard and when you are with the England team, you concentrate and wear that shirt with pride.

"The players know what he wants and are trying to make him happy and at the moment we are working hard and winning games.

"There is still a lot to learn and a lot of hard work to do but we are happy at the moment."

Beckham also insisted that getting motivated for friendly internationals at the end of a long season is not an insurmountable problem.

He added: "You are wearing the England shirt. That is enough motivation for any player and that is one of the things the manager said before the game, that he wanted a real English performance, a fighting performance.

"I think we showed that at times. We pressed very well and controlled it at times. Overall we've got to be happy and we go on from here."