Factbox on David Beckham

Midfielder David Beckham lines up to make his international debut in a World Cup qualifying match between England and Moldova, Sept 1, 1996. England won the game 3-0. [Photo/CFP]

England career

- Beckham made his England debut on Sept 1, 1996 in a World Cup qualifier against Moldova. Two years later he scored in the finals against Colombia but went home from France in disgrace after being sent off for kicking out at Argentina midfielder Diego Simeone in a last-16 defeat.

- In England, Beckham was widely blamed for the defeat and slammed by the tabloid newspapers.

- Beckham captained England on the first of 58 occasions against Italy in a friendly in November 2000 and the next year booked them a place in the 2002 World Cup finals with a stunning injury-time free kick, salvaging a 2-2 draw against Greece. England were knocked out by Brazil in the quarterfinals.

- In 2006, he resigned as England captain after his side lost in the World Cup quarterfinals to Portugal, who knocked them out at the same stage of Euro 2004.

- Beckham returned to the team a year later and earned 115 caps, an England outfield record. His last international appearance was against Belarus at Wembley in October 2009.

- Beckham missed playing for England at the 2010 World Cup after he ruptured his Achilles tendon while on loan at AC Milan in March. Manager Fabio Capello asked him to accompany the team in an advisory role and announced that he would not be picked for England's attempt to qualify for Euro 2012.