David Beckham's first match as England captain ended in controversy as Italy beat caretaker boss Peter Taylor's young lions 1-0.

It turned into a baptism of fire for the Manchester United midfielder, who was the innocent party in a bust-up with Italian hardman Reno Gattuso at the start of the second half.

Gattuso appeared to barge Beckham to the ground inside the penalty area and then reacted angrily, aiming a slap at Beckham as the pair walked away.

Beckham was clearly blameless and should have had a penalty for the original challenge.

The captain said: ''I think there were a couple of times when we should have got decisions, they should have been fouls. But they scored a great goal.

''We played some good football in the first half and we can take some good things out of it.

''You come to big places like this and know they are going to pass the ball around. I thought we had control in the first half. But whether Italy play well or bad, they just carry on and they proved that by getting a 1-0 win.''

Asked whether Gattuso had swung an arm at him after the penalty incident, Beckham said: ''Yes, he did but there's always arms raised in games and things happen off the ball. But the referees doesn't see them or chooses not to see them.

''We are disappointed we have lost the game. I felt it worked quite well for me in central midfield. I passed it well and kept it well. It was one of the best feelings coming out of tunnel as captain. I enjoyed it. I loved it.

''I have to learn about (the captaincy). I have a little bit of a sore throat. I did talk a lot more but that is something I will have to learn a bit more about.''

England caretaker coach Peter Taylor admitted he would relish another game in charge.

Coach-elect Sven-Goran Eriksson watched from the stands and if the Football Association fail to persuade Lazio to let Eriksson take charge of England's next game - a friendly against Spain at Villa Park on February 28 - they can turn to Taylor again.

Asked if he would be happy to carry on as caretaker for the Spain game, Taylor admitted: ''Yes, of course I would. I've enjoyed the three days and, as long as it doesn't affect Leicester City, I'm happy to help out where I can.''

Taylor felt England had deserved at least a draw from the game and was pleased with the performance.

''For me the result is not important because it's a friendly. The performance is the most important thing and that's what we've got out of the game. The players are a little bit disappointed because they think they deserved to win the game.'