Beckham and Owen appeared on their own postage stamps on this day.

In 2002 David Beckham could do no wrong. Having sealed England’s place at the World Cup in Korea and Japan with his last gasp free-kick against Greece, Beckham had become a national hero.

The misery and vilification he had faced for his sending-off against Argentina at France ’98 was now just a distant memory and, instead, “Golden Balls” was being hailed as one of the country’s main hopes for success in the finals.

His and the England team’s widespread appeal and popularity was confirmed on this day in 2002 when the Royal Mail produced a collection of stamps depicting the England captain and his team-mate Michael Owen in action for the Three Lions.

Although they were only available in the Isle of Man, the decision was a historical one, making Becks and Owen the first living non-Royals to appear on a postage stamp.

The new convention stated that those featured on the stamps should not be instantly recognisable but there was little doubt as to who the well groomed No.7 was, sliding into a tackle on the 22 pence version.