David Beckham Lovers

The pair met when Becks' eldest boy Brooklyn signed for Queens Park Rangers' youth team this year - a source says they get on extremely well

Pals: Gove and Beckham

England legend David Beckham has formed an unlikely friendship with controversial Tory minister Michael Gove through cheering on their football-mad sons.

The pair met when Becks' eldest boy Brooklyn, 14, signed for Queens Park Rangers' youth team earlier this year.

Education Secretary Gove's son William, nine, is also on the West London club's books. Now the families, who live just two miles apart, even share lifts to training and matches.

Former Manchester United star Becks, 38, a sporting icon to millions after his glittering playing career, might be expected to view Gove as an opponent rather than a friend.

Brooklyn: The young Beckham has signed for QPR

The arch Tory has been accused of putting Britain's sporting future at risk by allowing schools to sell off playing fields.

Fifty have gone in the past three years under Gove, 46, who has overruled independent experts.

But David and wife Victoria, 39, appear to enjoy the company of the MP for Surrey Heath and his journalist wife Sarah Vine.

A source close to Becks said: "Michael and David get on extremely well, they both watch their sons play football at the weekend.

"David thinks Michael is very charming. One may be a global superstar while the other is a despised MP but they have their kids in common.

"Michael and Sarah are ­extremely fond of David. They find him pleasant and down to earth. Brooklyn and William are also very friendly."

Promising player Brooklyn joined QPR after the Beckhams moved to London from LA.