England look re-energised under ‘Don’ Fabio Capello. He has moulded them to be more cohesive and clinical. Barring an almighty collapse, qualification for next year’s World Cup is certain. ‘Il Capo’s formula is simple; he doesn’t select a squad through sentiment. As Michael Owen has found out, form and fitness is what counts. This leads to the question of David Beckham’s role. His desire and effort to play for England is undoubtedly inspirational. However for England’s ruthless boss, he is not indispensable. When Capello make’s his calculations for the Three Lions to roar to glory at South Africa 2010, will Becks still be in the frame come kick off?
The Desire
The cynics say that he’s past it. They say he is chosen for shirt sales. They say ‘Brand Beckham’ is a cash-cow to bankroll the suits of the F.A. But would this England manager pick a player for commercial gain? Is this England manager a corporate ‘yes-man’? Is he a mere stooge, malleable like putty in the hands of the fat cats? Of course he isn't. With a proven track record, he is a winner. Victory is his only concern. He install’s a winning mentality. He wouldn’t pick Beckham if he didn’t think he could contribute to the objective of a successful England team.
During the 06/07 season and as Beckham’s manager at Real Madrid, the Italian task master doubted the midfielder’s desire and dropped him. With a career seemingly in its twilight stages, Beckham agreed a lucrative £128 million, 5 year contract at L.A. Galaxy. Rejected at Real and excluded from the England team, many pundits thought Becks would swan off into the Californian sunset, content with the financial reward that playing in America would give him. They were wrong and it’s fair to say; don’t write off David Beckham. Capello has definitely learnt that.
The former Manchester United star’s level of enthusiasm and effort in training reinstalled him back in the Madrid starting line up. He was also thrust back in to the ill-fated set up of Steve McClaren’s, England side. With Beckham functioning as a central midfielder in the Real first team, he played a pivotal part as they lost only once in seventeen games. Aided by his important assists the Madristas became La Liga champions.
Capello is a dominant autocrat who has made the England players respond on and off the field, Beckham has responded the greatest.
His money motivated move to America has been the biggest obstacle to his chances of featuring in the national team. Last season, Capello again questioned Beckham, believing his ‘Major League Soccer’ tenure would erode his talent and his fitness. Having dug himself a dollar encrusted hole in effectively a football backwater, his response has been to partially self finance a loan move to A.C. Milan, due to start again in November. Again, Beckham has proved himself to Capello. He has shown that he can still mix in it in one of the world’s best leagues in Serie ‘A ’ and is in an impressive physical condition for a thirty four year old. To be fair Serie ‘A’ is not as physically draining as other European leagues buy it is technically one of the most advanced. Beckham has adapted to it well.
The Quality
Beckham’s devotion shows how much he needs the England shirt. But what does he offer the side now? He doesn’t have pace, nor the ability to beat a man. In effect he is a plan ‘B’ option. He has operated as an impact substitute deployed in his usual right sided midfield role.
Although England have promising prospects on the right such as the more mobile Theo Walcott, Aaron Lennon and Sean Wright Phillips, none possess a crossing ability that is as consistent as the ex-England Captain. His legs have faltered but he’s still the most effective corner and free kick taker in the squad. In the World cup this may prove decisive if England are trailing or drawing late on.
England have players who thrive on set pieces such as John Terry, it really wouldn’t be a shock if a decent Beckham cross in the 85th minute of a group match or knockout round leads to the narrow margin of victory required.
Due to his age it’s difficult to see Beckham playing regularly for England post 2010. During the tournament he will be useful to England not only as a super sub but for the positive attitude he can transmit to his teammates.
Arguably, Beckham has never really delivered in England colours. At France 98 he was sent off in the defeat against Argentina and in Euro 2004 he made fatal penalty misses against France and Portugal. On the other hand England has not delivered since 1966.
Under Capello, Beckham is happy to be a cog in the machine. As a unit, England appears to have more depth. With Beckham approaching his 112th cap, the most for an outfield player, England still need him. However with players of the calibre of Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard, England doesn’t rely on him.