Beckham quits England captaincy
Beckham quits England captaincy
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Sunday, 02, Jul 2006 09:05
David Beckham has announced he has resigned the England captaincy in the aftermath of the team's World Cup exit to Portugal.
The Real Madrid midfielder has held the position for six years but he has insisted that he will continue to represent his country at international level.
Beckham announced the news at England's final press conference of the tournament and while he admitted that it was a tough decision to make, he felt it was the right time to step down, especially with Steve McClaren set to take over managerial duties from Sven-Goran Eriksson.
"I have lived the dream and I'm extremely proud to have worn the armband and been captain of England," an emotional Beckham said.
"Having been captain for 58 of my 95 caps, I feel the time is right to pass on the armband as we enter a new era under Steve McClaren."
The 31-year-old's departure from the role means that England will have a completely different leadership structure when they begin their campaign to qualify for Euro 2008.
Outgoing England manager Eriksson and Beckham have always been close allies in the dressing room, and both would have wanted to go out on a high.
Beckham admitted that he had made the decision to step down prior to the World Cup.
"I came to this decision some time ago and I had hoped to announce it on the back of a successful tournament," Beckham added.
"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."
The likely candidates to succeed Beckham include Chelsea's John Terry, Steven Gerrard of Liverpool and Manchester United defender Gary Neville, all of whom are captain's of their respective clubs.