DAVID BECKHAM became public enemy No1 when England’s World Cup hopes were shattered in 1998 – but it led to him being named the Three Lions’ skipper.

The legendary winger, 51, was sent off after during the heartbreaking last-16 exit against Argentina.

Eng training x
Peter Taylor handed David Beckham the England captaincy Credit: Getty
: Football - 1998 FIFA World Cup - Second Round - England v Argentina - Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint Etienne - 30/6/98
The iconic winger had been forced to deal with vile abuse following his red card at the World Cup Credit: Reuters

And Beckham was brutally with vile abuse when he was back in action for Manchester United following the tournament.

But the now-Inter Miami co-owner’s strength of character resulted in having the edge over Gary Neville and Gareth Southgate in the race to bag the captain’s armband.

Peter Taylor, who last month, made the life-changing call after being named England’s caretaker boss for a friendly loss to Italy in November 2000.

And the ex-Leicester and Crystal Palace supremo reckons his choice was vindicated.

, 73, told SunSport: “I honestly felt he deserved it because he never missed a session.

“If he was ever called up by the manager, even if it was just for a friendly or a training session, he was always there.

“After he got sent off in the 1998 World Cup, he got absolutely hammered by anybody that wasn’t a fan.

“But, during that season, he was absolutely outstanding and showed his character.

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“I had three contenders for the armband – , Gareth Southgate and David.

“The other two might have been louder on the pitch, so some would argue it should have been one of them, but I decided to go for David because of what he had gone through.

“He deserved it. As a manager, you make some decisions that are right and some that are wrong. But I think I got that one right.

“I was very confident he would work hard at being a good captain and make sure he did the right things.

“He was the link between the players and the manager so I’m sure those who followed me into the dugout were very happy.

“I’m delighted for him and what he has gone on to achieve. He’s so famous now that it’s ridiculous.”

Quarter Final England v Portugal: World Cup 2006
Gary Neville missed out on being named skipper Credit: Getty Images – Getty
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Gareth Southgate was also beaten to the honour by Beckham Credit: PA:Press Association

Beckham went on to skipper 59 times, including at two World Cups, during a sensational career spanning 115 caps.

The former United favourite also featured for the likes of Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain following Taylor’s captaincy decision.