ARISE SIR BECKS AND LADY POSH

But now it is being suggested that Tony Blair, anxious to be seen as a populist Prime Minister, is planning to recommend him for a higher accolade in the 2007 New Year Honours.

Such a move would also result in his wife's transformation from Posh Spice to Lady Victoria – a mantle she was perhaps anticipating yesterday as she launched her own exclusive jewellery range in Japan.

If Beckham, 31, becomes Sir David it would cement the Real Madrid star's place alongside such footballing greats as Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Bobby Moore and Sir Geoff Hurst.

One source at Westminster said last night: "It is just something which clearly makes sense. Beckham contributed a huge amount to the successful London Olympic bid and has become the enduring sporting icon of this generation.

"New Labour's spin doctors know this and are keen to reward him for his endeavours. Such an award would also be seen as a popular move to the electorate."

While Beckham once listed his greatest strength as "shopping", he has undoubtedly done a great deal of work for charity. He has regularly been seen chaperoning 11-year-old Kirsty Howard who suffers from a terminal heart defect.

And his role as a sports ambassador has put him in line for a knighthood. Beckham was a central figure in London's successful bid for the 2012 Olympic Games, travelling to Singapore as one of the UK's best known sporting faces.

He revealed this week that he is now concentrating on trying to regain his England place.

"I still believe I have a part to play," he said.

Beckham has not played for England since the World Cup quarter-final against Portugal, last summer.

But with support for a recall growing, he added: "It's nice to be wanted back because two months ago everyone was saying ‘It's better now' and ‘The team is playing better'."

The midfield ace has not commanded a regular place in the Real Madrid starting line-up this season, although he has vowed to fight on.

He added: "It's hard to watch England without being in the team. It's still hard and it will be until I'm back in there."

If he does indeed return, his team-mates may find themselves in the extraordinary position of playing alongside a Knight of the Realm.