Trailing 2-1 at home to Greece and needing a draw to book progress to the World Cup in Japan and South Korea, David Beckham refused to accept any other outcome.

He was like a man possessed, on a personal mission to seal the Three Lions’ progress. He led by example, eventually getting his reward when he curled home trademark free-kick in the dying moments.

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson told BBC Sport that Beckham’s winner against Greece was his personal highlight of the midfielder’s career.

“David had missed many free-kicks during that game but was mentally very strong to take it when it was almost overtime, and he scored.”

1926: Baseball great Babe Ruth hit three home runs for the New York Yankees in a World Series game.

1985: Nigel Mansell, driving a Williams, took his first Formula One Grand Prix win in the European round at Brands Hatch

2013: Arsenal’s run of 10 straight wins came to an end in a 1-1 draw with West Brom

2013: Sebastian Vettel led virtually from start to finish to win the Korean Grand Prix and edge closer towards a fourth straight Formula One world title.