Now, one could be cynical and suggest that Becks has only done it because he knew there would be a demand for his head anyhow, and this also gives him the best chance to remain an England player.
But it does mean that a new skipper of the national side is required.
John Terry is our obvious choice and Steven Gerrard the choice of those living north of the Watford Gap.
What do you think?
Is JT, who only a couple of years ago was facing serious criminal assault charges, the right man to lead our national side?
Okay, who do you want to win the cup now?
Germany has Ballack, and er... Huth, France, Maka and Gallas, Portugal has Carvalho and Ferreira and Italy does not have a Chelsea player, so we can discount them.
My money is on France - quite apart from our two boys - I'd like to see Zidane produce another couple of breathtaking performances before hanging up his boots.