18 years ago today, David Beckham captained his country for the first time in his illustrious career.

England lost 1-0 against Italy in Turin but it will always be a night Beckham will look back on fondly, with stand-in manager Peter Taylor giving him the captaincy for the game.

Wearing his trademark No.7 shirt, ‘Golden Balls’ walked the Three Lions out onto the pitch, did the coin toss and exchanged pennants with AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini and proudly sported the armband.

Beckham was just 25 at the time but had actually been playing first-team football for a while and was considered to be one of the more experienced members of the squad that evening, with several players from the Under 21’s brought into the side.

He had made his England debut four years prior and had already played in a World Cup and European Championships but receiving the armband helped take his career into a whole new direction.

Image: PA

Appointed permanent captain when Sven Goran-Eriksson took the reins, Beckham finished his England career 10 caps short of Peter Shilton’s record but still leaves us with so many memorable moments.

The redemption penalty against Argentina, the free-kick against Colombia in 2006 and of course, the set-piece that saved England against Greece at Old Trafford 17 years ago last month.

Is Beckham one of England’s greatest captains?

Sound off in the comments.