As the final whistle blew in Atlanta, David Beckham cut a dejected figure in the stands – comforted by his wife Victoria while appearing to shed a tear as England slid to a 2-1 loss to Argentina.

His nation’s one-time captain remains one of the best known figures in world football, and has been ever-present throughout England’s run to the semi-finals.

Throughout the tournament, goals scored by England have often been followed by fast cutaway shots to the Beckhams, with David celebrating wildly, surrounded by his family.

Rapturous celebrations followed England’s first goal, with Victoria seen leaping into the air and hugging her husband.

The former Spice Girl earlier this week became the subject of internet memes following her muted reaction to Jude Bellingham’s dramatic extra-time goal which helped England to victory over Norway last week.

“She was celebrating inside I promise,” joked the former England captain as he addressed the moment online, adding: “I promise her reactions were slightly slower than mine.”

His comments, which were followed by crying laughter emojis, came in response to a post by comedian Jenny Johnson which poked fun at his wife’s stoic appearance.

In a post on Instagram Johnson wrote: “There’s nothing like cheering your heart out for England from home, then they cut to Victoria and we see that classic Posh Spice smile! It’s so infectious!”

As the final whistle blew on Wednesday night in Atlanta, Beckham could be seen cradling his head.

He was joined in the stands by his wife and three of their children. Eldest child Brooklyn Beckham, who has had a public falling out with his parents, was not in attendance.

David was seen being consoled by his wife who appeared equally upset as England’s World Cup dream came to an end.

The fashion mogul has previously admitted to not being much of a football fan when she met Beckham in 1997, but has been a regular fixture at matches.

Beckham represented England in three FIFA World Cups in 1998, 2002 and 2006 – the latter two as captain of the team.

The former footballer was vilified across England after receiving a red card for kicking Diego Simeone in the 1998 World Cup match against Argentina.

He faced intense media backlash in the years following – with redemption coming at the 2002 World Cup with a group stage win over Argentina.

In a twist of fate 28 years later, Diego’s son Giuliano Simeone was part of the Argentinian team now heading to the World Cup final.

Posting on Instagram following England’s defeat, Beckham wrote: “Heartbreak for us all but memories that inspire and last forever… Thank you to our team, our fans & our country for what you have given us in this World Cup.”

After two decades in football, Beckham, 51 retired in 2013 before going on to invest in US club Inter Miami, which went on to sign Argentinian player Lionel Messi – widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest football players, in 2023.

Beckham’s reach and popularity has only soared in the run up to the World Cup across the US where he has largely, alongside Messi, become the face of football mania.

His face is often plastered on advertisements in North America and the former forward also was recently honoured with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.