Don't make me captain again, says Beckham

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The 33-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid star was Fabio Capello's choice to captain England in last night's 3-0 win against Trinidad & Tobago in a friendly match to mark the Centennial celebrations of the local football association.

Beckham said he was honoured to be chosen, nearly two years after giving up the role following the World Cup in Germany, but he feels that someone else should lead England on a permanent basis.

Capello has now started games with four different captains - Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Beckham - in his four games in charge but claims he's now whittled that down to two candidates for the job.

The Italian coach will announce the new skipper for the friendly against the Czech Republic on 20 August - and then stick with him through the World Cup qualifiers.

Beckham said: "To be honest I never thought I'd put the armband on again.

"I was surprised when the manager told me after training that I'd be captain. It came right out of the blue. But it's always been an honour to lead my country and I'd do so again if asked.

"But after the World Cup in 2006 I thought it was the right time to stand down as captain and I still believe it was the right thing to do. There are several good players in the squad, younger than me, and I think some are ready for the honour of being captain."

Beckham, who led his nation for the 59th time last night as goals from Gareth Barry and two from Jermain Defoe secured victory, has experienced a remarkable turnaround in his international prospects.

Having quit the captaincy, he was then completely discarded by former manager Steve McClaren, who was forced to recall him when England's chances of qualifying for Euro 2008 were in serious jeopardy.

He's now been in the starting line-up in each of Capello's last three games, and has demonstrated an attitude and level of performance that would justify inclusion in next season's squad.

"I'm taking each game as it comes," he said. "I love playing for my country and when people have doubted me I've simply worked harder."