Although it remains unconfirmed by Fabio Capello whether David Beckham will play for England against Spain tonight, you can be sure that if he does, then this England cap is the one he has strived for more just as much (if not more) than the other 107.
There always has been and always will be two completely opposed camps when it comes to the topic of England’s ‘Golden Boy’. Either he is the saviour of the modern national team, remembered for his 110% commitment to the cause who embodies the term ‘professional’. Otherwise he is the most overrated, hyped celebrity dead ball puppeteer who had one good game against Greece in 2001 (“..and even then he missed 9 other free-kicks in the same match”)
Personally, I do not subscribe to either of these camps and such extreme views of one player are surely dangerous.
David Beckham has shown both of these sides at various points in his career but what stands out from his strengths and weaknesses is his inconsistency. Although mentally very strong when he is not on song, no amount of inspiration or extra training will lift him and we must come to accept that.
It is the blind judgement demonstrated by Sven Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren that has damaged his career.
There have been times when he should have been left out, to rest, regain form and consider his future. But would Sven drop “Golden Balls“? Never.
Yet over the past two seasons managers’ philosophies have been to overlook him purely on past form, despite his current resurgence. If this were the case Geoff Hurst would never have had a chance of playing in the World Cup Final.
I am just as sick as the majority of the nation of hearing about the Greece game as vindication of David “Golden Balls” Beckham’s merit. That was almost 8 years ago and much has changed.
Beckham’s rebirth at LA Galaxy and the work he has clearly put in to earn a move to AC Milan, never mind star in their run of form, makes his inclusion imperative. Anyone who has seen his two goals in recent weeks cannot help but praise the refreshing return of invention and creativity to his repertoire.
I could very well write a similar blog on the topic of Emile Heskey, another player stuck in the ‘marmite’ mould.
Yet tonight against Spain I hope for England’s sake that Fabio Capello rewards the late renaissance of these two big characters with a cap and that they can continue to replicate the form we have loved them for.
1 comment so far
1 Brad // Feb 12, 2009 at 12:31 am
Why is Beckham the center of focus when England puts forward a amateurish display as they did against Spain. There was no one player that played any better. Fact is England without Beckham as they played Spain would have a difficult time beating the L.A Galaxy, what I saw mirrored the Galaxy in every way, poor ball control, poor positional play, no communication, no defense, no midfield and no attack. Weak, weak, weak but what do I hear and read? Nothing but Beckham attacks. Wake up England what the hell are you watching? All throughout the game England had a hard time getting out of there half of the field. Absolutely pathetic. Wright Phillips, greedy, not a smart player that will uselessly charge into 4 players every time he gets the ball. Crouch, poor ball control. Heskey, rolling around on the floor. Lampart, who? didn’t even know he was out there. Carrick useless. James, whatever flip a coin very shaky. Terry, tackle damit to timid. Agbonlahor weak no punch. Do we have one player that can shoot from 30-40 yards? I didn’t see it, to win you have to score to score you have to shoot to shoot you have to get out of your half the field. Many many problems but just keep singling out the only player that has moved England forward for the last decade. He can play with the worst and the best today he played with the worst again. I wouldn’t laugh at the L.A Galaxy when England’s national team is very comparable with today’s performance.