David Beckham has set his sights on playing at the 2010 World Cup but believes his chances of skippering England again are slim.

Beckham took the armband against Trinidad and Tobago at the weekend in a move the LA Galaxy midfielder denies was politically motivated.

England's 2018 World Cup bid needs the vote of FIFA vice-president Jack Warner, who greeted Beckham and his team-mates off the plane when they arrived in Port of Spain.

Boss Fabio Capello insists Beckham is a contender for the full-time role of skipper but the 33-year-old admitted: "I think there's going to be other players who are bigger contenders to take the armband than me."

Just playing for England again is a feat for Beckham after he was dropped during Steve McClaren's regime then left out of Capello's first squad.

Since returning he has given reminders of his dangerous set-piece deliveries and has staked his claim to involved in the World Cup qualifiers next season.

"I want to be part of the squad for the 2010 World Cup if at all possible," Beckham said.

"The manager has already said if I stay fit and I am performing, then I've got a chance to be in the squad.

"I've heard reports about the manager picking me as captain just because of the political side. But anyone who knows this manager knows he doesn't do thing like that.

"He does it because he believes in individuals. Going forward, who knows? A long as I keep performing well, as long as I'm fit and looking after myself then obviously I'll have a chance of being picked in the squad.

"I've enjoyed my time so far and hopefully it will continue."

Although Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Gareth Barry may be ahead of him in the pecking order to be permanent skipper, Beckham was happy to roll back the years in the Caribbean.

"Of course I'd like to be captain again - it's always an honour," he added.

"When I stepped down as captain I never thought I'd put the armband on again but I was lucky enough to do that and I'm honoured. I'm just happy to be in the squad.

"Nothing has changed my mind about wanting to be captain. I've always loved to lead my country out. But I felt it was the right time for me to step down and for someone else to take over.

"If it's handed to me like it was against Trinidad I'm never ever going to turn it down because it's one of the biggest honours in anyone's career. But back then I felt it was the right time to step down and I still believe it was."

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