Former England manager Hoddle, one of the most accomplished midfielders of his generation, was impressed by playmaker Beckham's return to international football during England's 1-1 friendly draw with Brazil on Friday.

Hoddle, who gave Beckham his England debut in the 1996 victory over Moldova, believes the former Manchester United's midfielder move to Los Angeles - he has signed a five-year deal worth 125 million pounds - won't detract from his ability to play international football.

And he praised current England boss Steve McClaren for recalling the 32-year-old Beckham, having dropped him in his first major move since replacing Sven-Goran Eriksson after the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

"In my day when you hit the 30 mark people started saying your international career may be over but the way they train now their fitness levels are so much better," Hoddle told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme.

"David is a fit young man and one thing he has never relied upon is blistering pace, so he will be able to play until he is 38 or 39 if he wants to," Hoddle added.

Beckham is now set to play a major role in Wednesday's match away to Estonia where England will look to revive their Euro 2008 qualifying hopes.

Defeat could signal the end of McClaren's time as England coach and Hoddle said: "If we win we will have the momentum going into four games at home. If we draw it is going to be very difficult for us because the pressure will build."

Beckham will join Galaxy in the middle of July - his contract with Spain's Real Madrid ends on June 30.