Beckhams back

Kellie · Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 2:25 pm Post subject: Beckhams back

Those England fans who were hoping finally to see the back of David Beckham have once again been let down by a coach who has succumbed to little more than sporting sentiment.

Fabio Capello, contrary to the expectations of many true football fans, has decided to include Beckham in his initial 30-man squad for the friendly against France on 26 March.

So yet again the spectre of a fading star will be casting its usual shadow over a squad which should be being built exclusively for the future.

Yes Becks has been a fantastic servant for his country, but playing mediocre football in America should not entitle him to another cap, even if it is his 100th. In fact giving him a place in the team against France would be an insult to the other players vying to impress Capello as the Italian sets about steering England into a brave new world of enterprising and progressive football.

For those who don't keep tabs on American 'soccer', it's worth pointing out that Beckham's return to action for LA Galaxy last weekend in a friendly against FC Dallas was far from convincing. He put in a low-key shift in a drab 0-0 draw which ended with his being yellow-carded for dissent in the 87th minute. And team-mates had to pull him away from two Dallas players after an unsavoury shouting-match.

Is that really England form? Surely young players like David Bentley and Theo Walcott who can play wide on the right and actually beat defenders are the key to England being able to unlock defences at the highest level.

If Capello must pander to public sentiment and give Beckham his 100th cap, wouldn't it be better to give him one last hurrah against the United States in the Wembley friendly on 28 May? And in the meantime give the likes of Bentley and Walcott their chance to shine and learn against such top sides as France.

Crazychick · Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 3:12 pm Post subject:

It would be nice to see him get his 100th cap but he cant just choose people because they are near to a big number.

laws1 · New Member Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Posts: 24 Status: Offline

good luck to him

I wish he was born north of the border

Thought he was a great player