England v Colombia, World Cup 1998
Having been left out entirely of England's first group game against Tunisia and only appearing from the bench in the 1-2 defeat against Romania after being accused of a lack of focus by manager Glenn Hoddle, Beckham was thrust into the fray for the vital final clash against Colombia. After Darren Anderton had given England the lead, Beckham notched his first goal for England with a wicked curling free kick after half an hour. He would go on to captain his country and become England's most-capped outfield player.
Argentina v England, World Cup 1998
Just a few days after scoring his first goal for his country, Beckham would face the first real test of his career. Fouled by Diego Simeone, he lashed out in retaliation and earned himself a red card at the hands of Kim Milton Nielsen. Reaction back in the UK ranged from the disappointed to the completely over the top, not helped by the ludicrous coverage in some tabloid newspapers. It would take Beckham a number of years to work his way back into the hearts of English football fans, but his redemption was complete upon firing home a penalty against the same opponents four years later in Sapporo.
The Treble, Manchester United, 1998-99
In what was surely Sir Alex Ferguson's greatest achievement, Manchester United secured an historic treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in some style. Beckham was instrumental to Ferguson's side, his assists and goals proving invaluable throughout the campaign.
Everyone remembers the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal for the now legendary Ryan Giggs goal in extra time, a mazy effort from deep, finished with a thumping shot into the roof of the net. But take a look at this goal from Beckham, scored early in the first half, a superb strike that deserves more credit than it subsequently received.
England v Greece, October 2001
England needed to at least draw against Greece in their World Cup qualifier at Old Trafford in October 2001 to be sure of a place in Japan and South Korea. With time quickly running out, the Three Lions were 1-2 down and staring failure in the face. Enter Beckham. After Teddy Sheringham was fouled ten yards outside the area, the free kick specialist stepped up and sent a swirling, whipping free kick over the wall and beyond Nikopolidis in the Greece goal. It was a moment of genuine class at a vital time for England.
Beckham's retirement has come on the day that Roy Hodgson has announced his England squad for two friendlies against Republic of Ireland and next year's World Cup hosts Brazil. Back your World Cup 2014 winner here.
New customers who sign up here, can earn up to £20 in free bets when they place a £5 wager. T&Cs apply.
Prices quoted in copy are correct at time of publication but liable to change.
