15 November 2004
David Beckham Press Conference

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David Beckham says he is taking inspiration from England legend Sir Bobby Charlton after quashing speculation that he wants to retire from international football in 2006.

England captain Beckham is already one of the game’s greats, having won 76 caps for his country at the age of 29. But he still dreams of matching his dad’s idol who was so inspirational for both England and Manchester United, representing his country 106 times.

"I want to set the record straight over this story," said Beckham. "I was asked if it would be my last World Cup and I said it could be – but obviously I hope it’s not! I want to carry on playing for England as long as I can.

"If that means playing on after the World Cup then great, I don’t want to retire from playing for my country because it’s one of the best honours I’ve had in the game.

"I set a target for myself when I got into the England team and when I was given the captaincy. I wanted to reach Bobby Charlton’s record, who was an idol of mine and my dad’s, and Bobby Moore’s record too.

"If I can do that I would be very happy. I’ve done the maths and I know to achieve it I would have to play on after the World Cup.

"If I could do it it would mean so much. It would mean I have reached a real milestone in my career. To be up there with Sir Bobby Moore (left) and Sir Bobby Charlton would be amazing."

Beckham has already overtaken the likes of Gordon Banks (73) and Alan Ball (72) by playing for England for so long, and he will equal Terry Butcher’s total of 77 caps by leading the Three Lions in the Bernabeu on Wednesday.

Next in line is Stuart Pearce’s record of 78 caps, then John Barnes on 79, Gary Lineker on 80, Ray Wilkins on 84 and Beckham’s boyhood hero Bryan Robson on 90. But the top three of Peter Shilton (125), Moore (108) and Charlton are still way ahead.

"Bobby Charlton was my dad’s idol and mine was Bryan Robson, so it would be amazing to match them," added Beckham.

"But personal records is not the important thing. I want England to reach the World Cup and win the World Cup. If that means playing in each and every game myself then great, but the most important thing is that the country does well.

"All I’m saying is that playing for England is an honour that any player would give their right arm for. There are players who deserve to play for England that haven’t, players like Steve Bruce. The player he was over the years and the fact that he didn’t get a cap is unbelievable.

"So I’m honoured to play for England and I want to continue. I want to carry on playing as long as my legs can stand it and at the moment I feel great."

The good news for Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is that Beckham is fit to play on Wednesday despite having only just recovered from broken ribs.

He made his comeback for Real Madrid on Sunday, playing the full 90 minutes in a 6-1 victory over Albacete.

"I didn’t expect to start but I was happy to, and playing the 90 minutes has helped my fitness," said Becks.

"I had a bit of pain afterwards, but that was to be expected and I’m fine for Wednesday. I’m very happy to be involved because this is a special game.

"As a youngster I always wanted to play for Manchester United and my country. To lead my country out at Old Trafford as captain was a dream come true. Now to lead England out at the Bernabeu as a Real Madrid player is special as well.

"It might be a friendly game but any professional will tell you that once you are out on that pitch you want to win, that’s a professional footballer’s instinct. That’s what I’ll be doing and that’s what the rest of the team will be doing.

"I don’t know how long I will be on the field but I want to play as long as I can. Firstly to get my fitness up and secondly because being captain of an England team playing at the Bernabeu is special.

"But we’ll have to wait and see. It’s down to the management to decide on that one. If I get 45 minutes then I’ll get good fitness out of that, and if I play 90 I’ll be a bit tired at the end of it but I’ll be happy!"

Beckham will once again link up with Real Madrid teammate Michael Owen for the Three Lions, and his partner is bang on form.

Since he last played for England, scoring against Azerbaijan in a World Cup qualifier, Owen has bagged six goals for his new club and completely won over the critics who questioned his form earlier in the season.

"It’s great to see because after the first couple of games at the Bernabeu people were doubting him," said Beckham.

"I was asked the question: Can Michael play over here? And I said wait until he scores his first goal and you’ll see what a player he is. Now he’s doing that and I’m happy for Michael.

"It’s tough when you come to a different country and you’re not in the team, especially as a goalscorer when you haven’t scored. But I have no doubts about Michael as a player.

It’s great for Real Madrid and great for England that he is playing so well.

"I think it will improve his game being here. He’s proved what a great goalscorer he is over so many years and now he’s proving it in a different country. That’s all about being a great player and he’s showing that for certain."