David Beckham
DOB 02.05.75
2007 Caps 5, Goals 0
Career Caps 99, Goals 17
Los Angeles Galaxy

The last year has played out a dramatic upturn in the fortunes for the former England captain. After 11 months out of the international reckoning the 32-year-old is very much back in the national team fold and goes into 2008 needing only one cap to join the country's four centurions: Peter Shilton, Bobby Moore, Billy Wright and Bobby Charlton.

The popular midfielder had missed out in Steve McClaren's first squad in August 2006, with the Head Coach looking to blood some new players ahead of Euro 2008. But the then-Real Madrid star battled back to play again thanks to his ability, experience and determination.

The set-piece maestro was recalled for the national team's first match back at Wembley: the 1-1 draw with Brazil in June. Beckham's free-kick pin-pointed John Terry's head after 20 minutes as England recorded their first goal in the stadium.

The following week the former Manchester United trainee inspired England to a 3-0 win over Estonia. Beckham's crosses assisted two goals - one for Peter Crouch; one for Michael Owen - in the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier. And after underlining his inexhaustible commitment and worth to the international cause Beckham would have been called up for the qualifying matches in September and October but for injury.

Despite moving to Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy he also featured in friendlies against Germany and Austria and came off the bench at half-time against Croatia at Wembley and set up Peter Crouch for an equalising goal with a trademark cross from the right wing.

''I will do literally anything to be involved with England. People have said I'm desperate for 100 caps but I want more than 100. I want to play in the next World Cup; first because I'm stubborn and think I can and also because I believe I'll still be physically ready." David Beckham