An end of an era in English soccer.

David Beckham has stepped down as England football captain, after almost six years at the helm of the team.

He says he feels the time is right to pass on the armband as the team enters a new era under manager, Steve McClaren.

Beckham announced his decision at a media conference in Germany before stepping on a plane for the journey home, saying he had hoped to make the announcement on the back of a successful World Cup, but sadly that was not to be.

He says it has been the most difficult decision of his career, but after discussing it with his family he believes the time is right.

He says being captain has fulfilled a boy-hood dream, and he will always be proud to have worn the skipper's armband.

He will continue to be available for England.

England went out of the World Cup in a penalty shootout against Portugal yesterday morning.

McClaren steps up from the assistant's role with Sven-Goran Eriksson's contract ending after the World Cup.