Despite concerns about his temperament and ability to become wound up by opponents, Beckham remains Eriksson's choice to lead a squad regarded by many as England's best chance since 1966 to lift the World Cup.

If Beckham and England's current players emulate the achievement of 40 years ago, he will join Bobby Moore on the list of England's great captains and finally silence his steady band of critics. Beckham is still awaiting his first honours at international level, so how does he rate alongside England captains of the recent era? Will he be remembered as a great England captain or just as one of the most celebrated players in the world?

Below we look at the credentials of England's leading skippers in recent years and determine which one was England's captain fantastic.

Bobby Moore
Led England a record 90 times during his illustrious career. Not as demonstrative or as vocal as captains who have followed like Tony Adams, Bryan Robson and Alan Shearer and preferred to guide the side rather than drive them on. His quiet, assured authority at the back spread confidence through the side and it was his laid-back style of leadership which was a major factor in the1966 World Cup triumph.

Sir Alf Ramsey claimed England would never have won the World Cup without him and Moore is still regarded even today as one of the greatest defenders this country has ever produced. He retired from international football in 1973 and died of cancer in 1993, aged just 51, with Pele claiming: "The world has lost one of its great football players, and a great gentleman."

Bryan Robson
Untimely injuries robbed him of the chance to really make his mark on the world stage, ruling him out of the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, but Robson remains one of England's most inspirational captains. A dynamic midfielder who was equally adept in a defensive role as he was in marauding forward to score - as he demonstrated 26 times for England - he was a captain who led by example.

Widely regarded as the best midfielder of his generation, Robson would frequently inspire through the intensity of his performance and his leadership frequently inspired the moniker "Captain Marvel." He was held in such high esteem that Bobby Robson, manager of England for the 1990 World Cup, still believes they would have won the tournament had his namesake not suffered an Achilles strain in the second group match.

Unfulfilled at international level, Robson continued to lead Manchester United by example and ended his career by winning the double in 1993-4. Since his retirement he has managed Middlesbrough, Bradford City, coached at Manchester United and England and performed a remarkable escape act with West Brom last season to avoid relegation from the Premiership.