Beckham was close to tears as he read from a prepared statement at England's training camp in southern Germany to confirm his decision to step down.

He said he hoped to continue as a player for England, but not as captain.

"On November 15, 2000 Peter Taylor gave me the greatest honour of my career in making me the captain of England, fulfilling me childhood dream," said the Real Madrid star.

"Now, almost six years later, after being captain for 58 of my 95 caps, I feel the time is right to pass on the armband as we enter in a new era under Steve McClaren.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to have captained our country and I want to stress that I wish to continue to play for England and look forward to helping both the new captain and Steve McClaren in any way I can."

According to figures compiled by FIFA on the official World Cup website, Beckham has won 94 caps.

While he scored with a trademark free kick against Ecuador, he has had an average World Cup by his standards and some commentators have even called for him to be axed altogether.

McClaren, the former Middlesbrough manager, takes over from Sven-Goran Eriksson as coach with immediate effect after the Swede bowed out following five-and-a-half years in charge.

"I came to this decision some time ago some time ago but I had hoped to announce it on the back of a successful World Cup. Sadly that wasn't to be," added Beckham, 31.

"This decision has been the most difficult of my career to date. But after discussing it with my family and those closest to me I feel the time is right."

Beckham said the team was devastated by their failure to move beyond the quarterfinals, but that he was proud of his time as captain.

"Our performance during this World Cup has not been enough to progress further and both myself and all the players regret that and are hurt by that more than people realise," he said.

"I wish to thank all the players for their support during my time as captain, as well as Peter Taylor, Sven and all the coaches.

"I would also like to thank the press and of course all the England supporters who have both been great to me and my teammates. I want them to know for me it has been an absolute honour.

"Finally, I have lived the dream, I am extremely proud to have worn the armband and been captain of England and for that I will also be grateful."