David Beckham has stepped down as England captain in the wake of the national team's exit from the World Cup.

The 31-year-old was close to tears as he announced his decision at a press conference on Sunday, but insisted it was not a knee-jerk reaction to the quarter-final defeat against Portugal.

"I have lived the dream. I'm extremely proud to have worn the armband and been captain of England, for that I will always be grateful," said the Real Madrid midfielder.

"It has been an honour and privilege to captain my country but, having been captain for 58 of my 95 caps, I feel the time is right to pass on the armband as we enter a new era under (new coach) Steve McClaren.

"I came to this decision some time ago and I had hoped to announce it on the back of a successful tournament."

Beckham, who intends to carry on playing international football, was appointed captain by caretaker boss Peter Taylor for a friendly against Italy in 2000 and kept hold of the armband throughout Sven-Goran Eriksson's tenure as coach.