Beckham vows to continue

England captain David Beckham insists he wants to carry on playing for his country following their World Cup exit.

Beckham endured a difficult tournament in Germany and was forced to limp out of yesterday’s quarter-final defeat by Portugal injured.

Defeat marks the end of an era for England with Sven-Goran Eriksson stepping down as manager but Beckham is keen to remain part of the new set-up under Steve McClaren.

The 31-year-old Real Madrid midfielder, who has 94 caps, told the News of the World: “I want to carry on as an England player. I have always said that leading and playing for my county is the happiest thing I do in football.

“Every game I step out wearing the captain’s armband and England shirt is a highlight for me.

“That’s the biggest honour you can have in football – not just playing for your country but actually leading your country out as captain.”

Beckham also defended his performances, adding: “I can do things in games and change them. I have done it in the past and I can still do it now.”