#5 England vs. Greece; 6 October 2001, 2002 WC Qualifiers
The most obvious one for the last. This one takes precedence over the rest for the sheer history, nature, weight and importance it holds for the then-England captain and a once hated figure in the nation.
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3 years earlier, in the infamous RO16 WC match against Argentina, Beckham received a red card after kicking out at Diego Simeone, a catalyst towards England getting knocked out and subsequent vilification of the youngster in the country; nearly everyone blamed him for England’s failure with his effigy being burnt on the streets and constant death threats. This declaration of hatred would have probably crumbled a weaker man, but Beckham had a point to prove.
Fast forward to 2001, in a match bereft of any creativity from England in general, Beckham was playing like a man possessed. In the dying minutes of stoppage time, England were trailing 1-2 to Greece with at least a draw required for them to qualify for the World Cup when they were awarded a free-kick 30 yards from the goal. As the commentator echoed how Beckham could raise a roof with a goal, he delivered in emphatic fashion, curling in the perfect strike in the top corner with the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
That goal completed his transformation from the most hated in the nation to a national hero, and what better place to get the goal then at his beloved childhood ground at Old Trafford.
“Give that man a Knighthood” indeed.
