David Beckham has decided to step down as England captain after holding the role for six years.

 

But the Real Madrid star does want to continue his international career. Beckham revealed his decision at England's final press conference in Germany in the wake of their World Cup quarter-final defeat by Portugal. The 31-year-old midfielder said: "I feel the time is right to pass on the armband as we enter a new era under new coach Steve McClaren."

 

It was England caretaker manager Peter Taylor who made Beckham captain in 2000. And Beckham was keen to thank the now Crystal Palace manager when he read from his prepared statement in Baden Baden on Sunday. With tears in his eyes, the former Manchester United player said: "On 15 November 2000 Peter Taylor gave me the greatest honour of my career in making me the captain of England, fulfilling my childhood dream. It has been an honour and a privilege to have captained our country and I want to stress that I wish to continue to play for England and look forward to helping both the new captain and Steve McClaren in any way I can."

 

Beckham was forced to leave the pitch against Portugal in the 52nd minute with a leg injury. That England went on to lose the game on penalties made Beckham's announcement even more emotional. He said: "I came to this decision some time ago but I had hoped to announce it on the back of a successful World Cup. Sadly that wasn't to be. This decision has been the most difficult of my career to date. But after discussing it with my family and those closest to me I feel the time is right. Our performance during this World Cup has not been enough to progress further and both myself and all the players regret that and are hurt by that more than people realise. I wish to thank all the players for their support during my time as captain, as well as Peter Taylor, Sven and all the coaches. I would also like to thank the press and, of course, all the England supporters who have both been great to me and my team-mates. I want them to know for me it has been an absolute honour. Finally, I have lived the dream, I am extremely proud to have worn the armband and been captain of England and for that I will always be grateful."

 

Beckham was an important link between the players at this year's World Cup and manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

 

And he led by example against Greece in 2001 when his curling last-gasp free-kick sent England to the 2002 World Cup finals, where they were also beaten on penalties in the quarter-finals. Eriksson said of Beckham's decision: "He's been a very good captain and very proud to do the job. I was a bit surprised when he told me but you have to respect his decision. It is now Steve McClaren's job to decide on Beckham's successor. He has a lot of choices that are more than capable of doing the job. It is very much up to him."

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/england/5138288.stm

after seeing the English team at the WC, Becks probably is still who'd deserve to be the Cap more than anyone else

bye bye beckham lol

That's bad cause he was a great capitan.

I think he was a great captain and he definitely deserved to wear the armband. I think he did his best and is still a fantastic player. But I think it's a great step from him to leave the armband to some of the younger, new players.

I absolutley love David Beckham and I think he's brilliant and incredibly dashing. :D Looking forward to seeing him in the next WC too...

i can't belive he decided to quit. He was a great captain and is a great player. Also Rooney is being investigated for his agressive behavior.

It's said McClaren doesnt like Beckham, he prefers Lennon.

"The 31-year-old midfielder said: 'I feel the time is right to pass on the armband as we enter a new era under new coach Steve McClaren.' ''

 

"enter a new era under new coach Steve McClaren"? That may ring some bells.

 

But Beckham is the most eligible one to be the Captian by far.

Rumor has it he's been thinking about devoting his time to his soccer camp here in the US in California, possibly thinking of joining the MLS! :stunned:

 

Maybe he can encourage 'real' soccer playing here...... :idea2:

Stevie G always should've been captian to be honest

I am glad he has gone as captain... we needed someone with a bit of assertivness, they should have made roney captian.... I am sure we would not have a problem with any teams as I am certain they would all run away if we had 11 Waynes on the pitch

I think he was a great captain, led us through some incredible games and showed glimpses of his best form for England in the past few months.

 

Although he is 31 and if he gets to the next Euro Champs I assume that would be his last tournament for England.

 

I just want to see him reach 100 caps (he's on 94) and would love to see him wear the captain's armband for the last time for that cap. Fitting tribute to a celebrated England player in my opinion.

that´s bad...and sad...

 

well, he was a great captain...

It's just a shame that it had to end like that.. You know, with his injury. I was hoping his career as a captain would end with a big victory..

It's just a shame that it had to end like that.. You know' date=' with his injury. I was hoping his career as a captain would end with a big victory..[/quote']

 

yeah...i know it's a shame, i didnt expect it just to end like that too. its kinda sad

Yeah it is sad! But on the other hand - Beckham was critisized a lot before the World Cup and then he scored that important goal against Ecuador (right? I mix up all the countries all the time) and everyone loved him again.. So, he showed that he can do it, he showed that he's a great captain..

 

It's also really great of him to step back when he knows that he kinda has a few troubles with the new coach or something.. There were some rumours, I don't know whether it's true or not, but it's good that he stepped back before any fights or problems appear - and this way, he gives another player the chance!

An exclusive shot of what was written on the note:

 

Haha that's a good one :P

Did you do it yourself or was it somewhere on the web?

Shame he doesn't stop for the national squad completely.

If you make such a decision and you say the youger players should have a chance, then you could at least quit yourself to make room for those younger players.

^ That's bullshit. If he's still a good player, why should he quit?

It's the player's decision and Beckham obviously still enjoys playing football! With all the money and prestige he's got, he could quit forever, but he still enjoys it and his fans still love him, so why not?

Becks merely "went before he was pushed". He is unlikely to be a permanent fixture in the team any more. Terry is favourite to be the new captain.

He's had his best time and he only has a good kick; he's far overrated.

I'd be releaved to see him leave the England-squad.

I really like the young players that Engalnd have (Lennon, Carrick, Downing etc.), but because of Beckham they hardly get a chance to show themselves to the world.

He's had his best time and he only has a good kick; he's far overrated.

I'd be releaved to see him leave the England-squad.

I really like the young players that Engalnd have (Lennon, Carrick, Downing etc.), but because of Beckham they hardly get a chance to show themselves to the world.

 

He's ALWAYS been overrated and overhyped. Madrid only want to keep him because of his "selling power".

With all the publicity he has attracted over the years, you'd think he was the best player in the world - but he never has been. He's a classic example of "image being more important than talent".

He was good, but never that good.

Rooney is in a different league - he just needs to do something about his temper.:cool:

Beckham was always playing cool...remember his free kick?!

by the way ,I don't like Terry, I don't want him to be the new captain.