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Beckham handed England captaincy for Trinidad friendly

31/05/2008

David Beckham has been handed the England captaincy for tomorrow's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago.

Manager Fabio Capello has been using England's recent friendlies to test out a number of different players as potential captains before he names a full-time skipper for the World Cup qualifiers in September.

Steven Gerrard captained the team against Switzerland while Rio Ferdinand and John Terry have also been given the responsibility in England's last two matches.

There was speculation that Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry could be given the honour for the game in the Caribbean or that Ferdinand could captain the side again after Terry returned home.

However, Capello has chosen to give Beckham at least one more chance to captain the side.

The midfielder first captained the side in a friendly against Italy in 2000 and then went on to perform the role 58 more times before resigning as captain following England's exit from the 2006 World Cup.

The proximity of Trinidad to the US, where Beckham currently plies his trade for LA Galaxy, could be seen as in ideal opportunity to take advantage of his popularity.

However, the 33-year-old says captaining the England side, regardless of the situation, is always an honour.

"Everyone knows it is one of the biggest honours you can be given as football player to captain your country, or even to play for your country," said Beckham.

Beckham is likely to be in charge of an inexperienced side after established players such as Wayne Rooney remained in England following the match against USA at Wembley.