David Beckham says he has a deep appreciation every time he pulls on an England shirt, as the LA Galaxy midfielder admits he thought he had played his last game for his country.

After the World Cup in Germany Beckham had reached 94 caps for his country, but England would play nine games before he returned to the team against Brazil the following year.

That absence has shown Beckham just how quickly things can change, and a renewed appreciation of playing for England.

"I didn't think I would be here,'' Beckham admitted.

"When I was left out at the start of the Euro qualifiers, I just thought 'that's it, that's my England career done'.

"So it is not a question of taking it or leaving it now. It is just that I have seen before how quickly it can all get taken away from you.''

Speaking at an event organised by Official Supporter to the England team, National Express, Beckham also revealed he would still love to be captain but believes a number of players are qualified for the role.

Beckham explained: "I'd never turn it down. I was lucky enough to lead my country 59 times. It is the biggest honour to lead your country out but I'm older, one of the more experienced and if it was handed to me at any point I would never turn it down but there are lots of candidates who are ready for it now.

"We are very lucky because we've got players in our team who are leaders, captains - Steven Gerrard, Rio (Ferdinand), JT (John Terry) we are very lucky to have a lot of leaders.

"He (Capello) knows how much the captain's armband means to a player whether you are from Italy, Spain or England - it doesn't matter where you play or where you manage.

"He's got enough experience to know how much a captain's armband means to our country so he'll make that choice and it's his choice to do it the way he has.''