David Beckham has been given back the captain's armband for England's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain.

The 33-year-old midfielder had doubts over his international future since the last World Cup and even after winning a place back in the squad was then made to wait for his 100th cap when Fabio Capello took charge.

Capello has been looking at who his permanent captain will be and has given the armband to Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard, John Terry and will now give Beckham his 59th game as skipper.

The move could be interpreted as a means of winning favour with FIFA vice-president Jack Warner, who holds an important vote in the process of England's 2018 World Cup bid.

Beckham has been cheered and given the warmest welcome of England's players in the Caribbean and at open training and a coaching clinic fans chanted his name.

Leading England out of the tunnel at Hasely Crawford Stadium would be seen as a perfect start to the match to mark the centenary of football in Trinidad and Tobago.

Beckham has also recently shown Capello he could have a role in World Cup qualifiers next season - he set up the opener against the USA with a set-piece when chances were proving difficult to create.

Although his free-kicks and corners have never been in doubt, the quality of MLS football has often been questioned. Beckham has a match against Colorado Rapids next weekend when his England team-mates will be on holiday.

"Everyone knows it is one of the biggest honours you can be given as football player to captain your country, or even to play for your country," said Beckham.