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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Blow

David Beckham's "uncontrollable" tears before Sir Alex Ferguson chat changed everything

"10 HEROIC LIONS, ONE STUPID BOY."

That was the headline of the Daily Mirror on July 1, 1998 - the morning after England were dumped out of the World Cup by Argentina. Such brutal words would never be published today, but the first draft of history cannot be erased. It's a reminder of the scrutiny David Beckham received at the time, having been dismissed in that World Cup last-16 clash.

With the game evenly poised a 2-2, Beckham was sent off for kicking out at future Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone with his trademark right foot. It was a "moment of madness" - as Beckham will tell you - but one that defined his glittering career.

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