It's time to prove we're real heroes, says Becks

The midfielder, who is expected to win his 100th senior England cap against France here in Paris on Wednesday night, believes it is the players' responsibility to set the right example, especially to impressionable youngsters.

Beckham, 32, said the top professionals have a duty to "control their passion" for the game and act as good role models for their thousands of fans.

The Football Association's Respect campaign, championed by their new chairman Lord Triesman, is designed among other things to improve players' on-the-field relationships with referees.

The campaign is gathering impetus following the recent high-profile flashpoints involving Chelsea's Ashley Cole and Liverpool's Javier Mascherano.

Beckham, whose three sons, Brooklyn, Cruz and Romeo, will be watching him at the Stade de France said: "Professional players have a huge responsibility because there are so many kids around the world who are watching their every move and wanting to emulate them.

"I've seen it with my sons, what they want to do and want to achieve, and it's a huge part of the game these days. I've had my problems with referees. I've always been very passionate on the field and that's why players sometimes get into trouble.

"There's nothing wrong with having that passion but it's about controlling it and respecting referees. Often it's not the case that the players disrespect the officials but you are so passionate and you so want to win that it spills over."

German Florian Meyer will be the official charged with controlling the teams in tomorrow's game and he could learn from Mark Clattenburg, according to John Terry.

The defender is expected to captain the team and believes the way Clattenburg controlled Chelsea's match with Arsenal on Sunday is the way forward.

Terry said: "Mark Clattenburg deserves a lot of credit. Before the game he told me and William Gallas that he wouldn't put up with any players coming towards him.

"He told us to go and tell the rest of the players that if they did he would book them. We both went away and told our players. He said he would be prepared to listen to anything me and William had to say on behalf of the other players. It set the tempo from the start of the game and he got the respect he deserved."

Beckham also revealed he doesn't want to stop at his century and hopes to go on to the next World Cup in two years. But he will be aware the player pushing him hardest for his place is Blackburn's David Bentley.

"He's a very good player," said Beckham. "He's stepped up his game this season and he's at a good club with a good manager. He seems like a real grounded lad but very talented as well."