David Beckham rolled back the years last night with an inspirational display to drive Real Madrid to a 3-2 win at home to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League first knockout round tie and put himself back in the reckoning for an England recall.

“I always wanted to play for my country and I will always be available whether I’m in Spain, or whether I’m in LA,” Beckham said. “I will always want to do well for my country.”

There were even chants of “Beckham, Beckham”, not heard since his first season, as his three assists put Real in the driving seat against poor opposition, who scored a late goal to keep themselves in the tie.

Beckham found Ruud van Nistelrooy, whose precise pass set up Raúl to score after 10 minutes.

After Bayern struck back, Beckham was at the heart of both Real goals. After 28 minutes his corner was headed towards goal by Iván Helguera and was helped over the line by Raúl, and then his free kick was converted by Van Nistelrooy.

A trademark Beckham free kick had to be brilliantly saved by Oliver Kahn, the Germany goalkeeper, and was Real’s best chance to add to their lead.