If the cap fits
Friday, 28 March, 2008
David Beckham won his 100th cap against France, click here to find out more about how they are awarded.
David Beckham earned his 100th cap for England in Paris, but when did players first receive international caps and who came up with the idea?
At a Committee Meeting in January 1886, it was Lane 'Pa' Jackson who suggested that players taking part in England internationals be presented with a silk cap. The idea was taken forward and it was later agreed that the caps would be royal blue velvet with a rose in front and date on the peak.
Initially caps were awarded for every match, but this was altered slightly in the 1950s when players were awarded a single cap embroidered with the details of every game for a particular tournament.
That remains the case today with caps for competitive tournaments, and individual caps being awarded for each friendly that the players take part in.
David Beckham will be given a special gold-coloured commemorative cap with details of the friendly with France. It will be presented in a glass box which will have details of every one of his 100 games engraved on it. This has been specially arranged by The FA.
It is yet to be decided where, how and when this will be presented.