England captain David Beckham has apologised to the Football Association (FA), his team mates and supporters after deliberately getting booked against Wales.

Beckham sparked a controversy by telling a British newspaper he picked up a yellow card in Saturday's World Cup qualifying victory in order to serve a one-match ban while injured.

"I was asked a question and made a frank and honest admission to counter the negative speculation," Beckham said in a statement read out by Sky Sports News on Wednesday.

"I now know that was wrong and apologise to the Football Association, the England manager, my team mates and all England fans for this. I have also apologised personally to my manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

"I know that as captain you are in a privileged position and must always abide by FIFA's code of fair play, something which I have always done throughout my career."