Beckham, who has not played for his country since last summer's World Cup, was named in Steve McClaren's England squad on Saturday for next month's international friendly against Brazil and the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia.

And Van Nistelrooy believes it was the right decision.

"It is well deserved for him to be back in the England squad. I think he's at the top of his game and maybe as good as he has ever been," said the Dutchman, who also played alongside Beckham at Manchester United

"He has shown character, kept going and never lost the desire to play for England.

"He keeps working hard in training and with his qualities he always come back, and he has done it again."

Van Nistelrooy was speaking after Real Madrid's 3-1 home win over Deportivo La Coruna at the Bernabeu.

That victory helped keep Madrid at the top of the Primera Liga table and they will be crowned Spanish champions for the first time since 2003 if they win their final two games.

Van Nistelrooy and Beckham both played vital roles in the win, with the Dutchman netting Madrid's third goal and the former England captain playing a key part in the first two strikes.

The duo have struck up a successful on-field relationship over the years, and Van Nistelrooy admits he will be sorry to see Beckham depart for Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy this summer.

"I wish he wasn't leaving as he is playing so well now," Van Nistelrooy said. "Maybe the Galaxy can loan him out to Madrid for a year. I'm not sure that is going to happen but I would love it if it did."