David Beckham has built a highly successful career by taking what talent he has (and in my humble opinion one doesn't win the number of trophies that he has without possessing a fair amount of talent), and the working bloody hard to make the most of it, very much in the way that Kevin Keegan did.

Yes he is an eminently marketable product, and has become extremely wealthy. Yes he has become an instantly recognisable celebrity around the globe, and (apparently unforgivable to some) has married a pop-star wife. In spite of all this, however, football has remained the central focus of his life, he has continued to be an outstanding example of professionalism through unremitting hard work.

He wears his England shirt with pride, seems to have remained a thoroughly nice bloke and, in spite of the madhouse that his life must be, appears to still have his feet planted firmly on the ground.

If anyone deserved one more cap to reach a landmark figure of appearances it is he.

slim 75, Paris,

There is far more media chat about Beckham than he is worth. I'm amazed he's been given as many England caps as he has, but much of that could be put down to Sven's regular selection of a player whose last couple of dozen international games were as unimpressive as his first couple of dozen had been so good. Mr Capello should set about using his new broom as soon as he can.

Pete, NW London,

It's not the 100th cap that's undeserved, it's the 70th to 98th caps he shouldn't have got.

Adam, Eastcote, Middx, UK

Only in England can we have such a debate, about being old or past it. The last team that beat England at Wembley Croatia was playing with a 34yrs guy called Novak in their midfield. He played well and was not lightening fast and yet they beat England comprehensively with all their youth & speed. People in this country are obsessed with speed, hence kick and rush...Thats why England will never win a major trophy! We should cherish people with experience and guile not speed like headless chickens!
Players like Beckham should be held in very high esteem.He is talented player and a very good role model..despite his wealth, fame and everything, he still has great pride in representing Enlgand...Most people would not even bother!

collins, London, England

why are we even discussing this total waste of space someone please name 10 games in his 99 when he was the out standing player on the pitch difficult is it not plus he is the greatest coward to play for england ( his non tackle against brazil comes to mind) so ditch him .

seamus, dublin, ireland

i think having an american post how "becks" is simply the "best" just about sums up why some of us finally want to see the back of this pointlessly overhyped image over content celebrity figure who always underdelivered true to his vastly limited ability and whos time is unquestionably done.We`re not america,were not some 3rd world or far eastern country with no depth or history in this sport,why do we continue this cringeworthy obsession over such a non-consequential figure?why dont we just grow up and long last and put this childish delusion over beckham and his circus to bed once and for all and get back to trying to build a progressive,youthful and forward-thinking side that can take us to real success in 2010?

rob, london, uk

Becks was so dedicated and determined that both of his ex-managers recalled him, and he did not let them down.
Look at how he is training now, on his own initiative.
He is very recognisable and he is still tops in my book.

Way to go, David. Here's toasting your 100th cap

Jeanette, Brisbane, Australia

Becks the best ! He's got the right stuff....let him play as long as he can. He has done a great job for football (soccer) in the U>S>A> My sons' and grandsons think he is a Star...He is. Good Luck in 2008, Beck...... : )

Posy McCracken, Costa Mesa, USA