for the most part of Euro 2004, has looked ordinary - the global superstar turned Mr Average.
Indeed, it is some time since Beckham delivered for England, and for all the soothing words of his manager and team-mates, he cannot expect to escape the harsh verdict on his performances in Portugal.
And, whisper it, there were even suggestions by some that it is time to remove the treasured captain's armband and pass it on.
In Beckham's defence he is a fine ambassador for England, and he made a point of making sure he moved towards Darius Vassell to throw a consoling arm around the devastated Aston Villa striker after he missed the crucial penalty.