David Beckham”s tenure as England captain may come to an end after this summer’s World Cup.

Steve McClaren will replace Sven-Goran Eriksson when the World Cup is over, and when quizzed about Beckham’s role as captain, the new coach did not give a ringing endorsement of the current skipper.

“That is something I don’t want to discuss here,” he said.

“I don’t think it’s right to discuss here. We have got a World Cup coming up. That’s my sole focus and attention on the squad and giving Sven my full support and backing.

“He’s captain at the present moment under Sven.”

Eriksson appointed Beckham as captain ffive years ago but there is a growing feeling that other players – such as Chelsea skipper John Terry – might be better suited to the role.

At 30, Beckham is almost certainly playing his last World Cup, and the Real Madrid midfielder may not even be around as a player at Euro 2008.

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