Contenders: Beckham
Thursday, 25 December, 2008
2008 has been a memorable year for David Beckham as he won his 100th England cap in March.
During 2008, Fabio Capello awarded caps to 35 players in ten games as England won eight, drew one and lost one. Today we look at David Beckham, who saw his total of England caps enter triple figures...
Age 33
Date of Birth 02.05.75
Caps in 2008 8
Career Caps 107 Career Goals 17
Los Angeles Galaxy
2008 has been a memorable year for David Beckham; in March he joined an illustrious list of England greats when he won his 100th international cap against France in Paris.
In doing so, Beckham became only the fifth player in history to reach this milestone – behind Peter Shilton, Bobby Moore, Billy Wright and Bobby Charlton - and he is now only one cap short of equalling Moore’s record for an outfield player (108).
Unfortunately for Beckham, his 100th cap ended in a 1-0 defeat, but a trademark free-kick in his next appearance against USA, set up John Terry for England’s opener in a May friendly.
Beckham featured in all four victorious World Cup Qualifiers played in 2008 and also donned the captain’s armband for the first time since 2006 when The Three Lions faced Trinidad & Tobago in June.
As the Major League Soccer season ended in October, the LA Galaxy midfielder arranged a three-month loan spell with Italian giants AC Milan in order to maintain his fitness and increase his chances of being involved with England in 2009.
Quotes
"David is a great ambassador for the game. Moldova in 1996 seems an age ago, yet he clearly still has the hunger to represent his country.” Gareth Southgate
"He’s a fit lad, he’s hungry. He’s got a fantastic right foot – nothing’s changed there because he’s been like that for many, many years.” Michael Owen
“When I started playing for England, I never dreamt I’d get to 100 caps. It’s any boys dream to reach 100 matches with their country. I love playing for England and to reach that milestone was an incredible experience for me.” David Beckham
“To be in the same class as great players who have reached and gone beyond 100 caps is a massive honour, but I want to carry on – I'm not ready to stop playing for my country.” David Beckham