David Beckham appeared in three World Cup tournaments and 94 international games for England.
(Matt Dunham/Associated Press)
On Friday, new head coach Steve McClaren dropped the former captain from England's roster for an exhibition game against Greece in Manchester next Wednesday.
McClaren, who debuts as England's coach at that match, said he notified Beckham of his decision on Monday.
"At the present moment, I am looking to take this team in a different direction," McClaren said.
"It's a new beginning. It's a clean sheet of paper for everybody and that's why I decided not to pick David Beckham."
Beckham, 31, is one of the most famous athletes in the world. He appeared in three World Cup tournaments for England, played in 94 international games and wore the captain's armband for more than five years.
"Having spoken to Steve McClaren this week, I can fully understand that a new manager should want to make his mark on the team and build towards the next World Cup," Beckham said in a statement.
"I'm proud to have played for England for 10 years and my passion for representing my country remains as strong as ever."
The Real Madrid midfielder stepped down as England's captain after his country was eliminated from the 2006 World Cup by Portugal in the quarter-finals. Beckham limped off with Achilles tendon and ankle injuries during the second half of that contest, prematurely ending his tournament.
Upon relinquishing his captaincy, Beckham said he would still play international soccer for England if called upon.
Chelsea defender John Terry was named England's new captain Thursday.
End of an era
Beckham made his national team debut in September 1996 against Moldova when he was 21. He was made captain after Alan Shearer retired from the national team following Euro 2000.
Beckham rocketed to fame as a star with Manchester United in the English Premiership.
He became a household name in 1996 when he scored an amazing goal against Wimbledon from the halfway-line and won acclaim when he helped Manchester United win three major trophies - the English Premiership title, FA Cup and Champions League crown - in 1999.
But he hasn't always been the golden boy of English soccer.
Beckham was the target of much abuse in his homeland when a temper tantrum earned him a red card in the 1998 World Cup in France.
Reputation rebounds
Beckham became a national pariah after being sent off for kicking at Argentina's Diego Simeone. Playing a man short, England lost and was eliminated in the second round.
His reputation has since recovered.
Two years after the Simeone debacle, he was made captain of England and he went on to score the winning goal against Argentina in the first round at the 2002 World Cup. England reached the quarter-finals of that competition, as well as the final eight of Euro 2004, with Beckham playing a prominent role both times.
The unthinkable happened in 2003 when he parted ways with his beloved Manchester United after a falling out with manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Beckham was sold to Real Madrid, but his departure could not erase his years of success at United.
During his time at United, he helped the club reach worldwide fame as the biggest and most successful sports franchise on the planet. United also achieved great success on the field, winning six league titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League.
However, success in Spain has proven harder to come by. So far, Real Madrid has yet to win a league title or Spanish Cup during Beckham's three years with the club.
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How heartbreaking, after the guy steps down as England's captain but says he's still willing to play for them. Then they choose not to keep him at all =/
