England and Beckham had a mediocre World Cup, but for a moment of magic from the skipper against Ecuador.
After being held goalless for almost 60 minutes, Beckham curled in a free-kick in the inside post to score the winner for England. An early exit due to injury against Portugal, however, signalled the end of his World Cup.
Beckham said then caretaker England manager Peter Taylor had given him 'the greatest honour of my career ... and fulfilling my childhood dream' by appointing him as captain in November 2000 for a friendly with Italy in Turin.
'As we enter a new era under Steve McClaren, it has been an honour and a privilege to have captained our country,' he said on stepping down as captain.