Back to square one with Becks

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.

What do you think? Should Becks play against France? And if not, who should take his place wide on the right? Have your say below.

Comments

[Brian Wylie]

It shows the state English football is in when we have to call on a player renowned for dead ball kicking, and little else, currently playing for some American Pub team to make up the eleven. Anyone who saw Hargreaves free kick fo Man U the other day knows he is as good as Beckham on the dead ball and, whats more, has a brain different from the not too bright Beckham(except for making money for very little)

[Justin]

I agree this is a place to air views and not get personal - Toots had ago at my name so I had a go back.

My view is Beckham should be involved with England because he is good enough - he certainly has more to offer England than the starting 11 at Arsenal.

[Toots]

Justin - you bird brain - grow up. Now run along you baby and tell your mammy that she couldn't have given you a more ponsey name no matter how hard she'd tried. In future dont direct personal attacks on those who use the blog because its not intended for that reson so dont do it or people get annoyed and respond! Blogs are supposed to give people a chance to air their views !

[Justin]

It's Arsenal inbreeds like Toots that give true England fans a bad name. Beckham is a great talent let's use it until it gone, then maybe he'd agree to play for Arse nil rather than just train with them.

By the way What kind of name is Toots? Do you like Thomas the Tank Engine or something??

[Bobby]

Brit99 spot on the money - if you disagree it's because you are wrong and probably have something else that is short apart from your memory

[brit99]

Oh behave. It is only a friendly . You guys have short memories. He has been a great player for England and has done a world of good for the game. Let him have his 100th cap..jesus

[Pete]

Beckham should be in the squad until at least the next world cup. Whether he plays 90 mins, 10 mins or sits on the bench is upto Capello to make the best use of him.

[espana]

good on cappello david is english through and through and can still perform other players would do well to take a leaf out of his book and perform for the country not thereselves

Fabio is right to include Becks, we still don't have a player to replace him who can deliver pinpoint crosses which on numourous occations have saved the day.Becks still as afew years left in him and i'm sure he will be a good asset to have around the squad for the World qualifiers

[michael marshall]

yes becks should get his 100th cap and then if he is not good enough after that then that should be it. he has been england through and through for the last 12 years. give him his 100th cap then it wont be an issue anymore.

[les]

I've never been a fan of Beckham but from what I've seen of recent England games none of the alternatives have shown any real talent or enthusiasm.

[shady mutt]

playong for england should have nothing to do with age or the future. it is about here and now. it's a great idea to build a team for the future but even a friendly still has to be won. if becks is on form and playing well then he should be included, regardless of age, number of caps, etc! if he's playing well then good luck becks!

[val]

If hes played just compare the accuracy of his pass to any other player on the pitch-thats it count the times he does not lose the ball to the opposition-most of what the game is all about-then repeat your criticism!!!!!

[Toots]

Once we start giving people a game for loyalties sake or so they can reach a goal we are finished altogether. The deision must be based entirely on what he will give to the team in that game alone. For me Beckham is not the future and will not give us enough in the next game. Time to move on and resign him to the past.

[sasa]

Simple, very simple hes finnish, sorry England.

Becks is a loyal servant..should get his 100th against USA instead...its time to move on but one has to wonder, where is the next Becks going to come from? haven't got any Ronaldo's or Kaka's lying around have we?

[big nige]

Becks has been a great ambassador and player for Football. But it it time to move on and develope the so called young talent for future world cups -- isnt that what friendly games are all about ? 99 or 100 caps it doesnt matter -- think of the future and stop living in the past . He wont be around for for those tournaments cut the sentimental crap !! It wont win you games

[Alison Phipps]

David Beckham is Mr England so he Deserves to get his 100th cap and many more after.The young players look up to him he is good for England.I got Beckham on my new England shirt because he is great.

[B.yates]

Beckham has had his glory days and should now make way for the younger players.His strength has always centered on "the Tactical pass" and to some extent his ability to bend the ball.This ability is possessed now by numerous international and Premier League players and his speed over the ground has never been match winning, therefore he should be given a gentle "last hooray" and perhaps the media will cease boring us with their coverage of Beckham.

[Steve]

It is regrettable that despite Capello's recognition and endorsement of Beckham's qualities and his criticism of the media for the negative speculation concerning him that yet one more sports writer is ignorant enough to produce an article like this. Perhaps we can have his name or will he hide behind his anonymity. It is noted that the majority do not agree with the writer.

[rich]

becks desrves to play for england no matter what level hes playing at hes saved england time after time yet people still say he dont deserve his 100th cap these people aint got a clue how important becks is for england

[Grumpy Old Man]

He has only been named in a squad of 30. Leave it to the manager.

[G Cook]

Beckham can still show some of our youngsters a thing or two. Heart and skill to name but two weapons in his arsenal.

It will be a long time before England have players of his calibre again as the English youth can't even get on the league team sheets because of mediocre foreign players! So let them see what a real England player looks like.

[Carls]

England owe it to Becks he has been a truely outstanding player for many years and we wouldn't have reached half the finals we had with out him.. Come on Becks....

[Clifford cook]

David Beckham is England through and through and will always play as a team player.
Just because he plays in America doesn't stop him playing for his country for getting his 100 cap he will put everything in every
game.