Beckham still passionate about England

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Beckham is committed to completing the current Serie A campaign with AC Milan before having a month off and returning to LA Galaxy in November. Then, after another short break, he comes back to Milan until the summer of 2010 and on towards South Africa and another tilt at the world's greatest prize.

Surely that would be perfect time to end a stellar England career? "No," he said, without a moment's hesitation. Adding: "I have always said, even if I'm not picked in the squad, while I am still playing I always want to be available. I would still want that option. I don't think I would ever retire. I am passionate about playing for my country."

Beckham has admitted that he thought his days as a top-line player were over when he was dumped by Steve McClaren in 2006.

Informed by answering machine message that his services were no longer required, the 33-year-old's confidence was shattered.

Through sheer persistence and force of will, the Londoner went on to end that season as a title-winner in Spain and even got his England place back.

But the psychological damage had been done and he said on Thursday: "I have had a lot of ups and downs in my career but being left out of the England squad was a big low. It knocked my confidence a lot and it affected me.

"I just assumed I wouldn't play for my country again. They were playing well and I just thought: 'That's it'."

It was that mindset that Beckham took into any negotiations over his career as his contract with Real Madrid entered its final season.

Under such circumstances, it is easy to see how the lure of life in Major League Soccer began to look attractive. AC Milan did make a move, but it came too late to halt one of the most bewildering transfers of recent times.