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David Beckham equal's Bobby Moore's record against Spain - Source: Reuters -
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The fact that David Beckham will probably miss the World Cup due to his recent Achilles injury is a sad story for the player but hardly a huge blow to the England team.
For all the fanfare surrounding the global phenomenon he was
only likely to be a bit part player in Fabio Capello plans, with a
spot on the bench the best he could have hoped for.
The 34-year-old Beckham may have been part of a plan B,
thrown on with 20 minutes to try and set up a match winning cross
with one of his famous crosses or free kicks.
But third favourites England should have no problems against the lesser nations like Slovenia and Algeria and history suggests they will stride confidently into the quarter finals in South Africa
It is against the big guns - Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Germany,
Italy et al - where England have always struggled and there is
little evidence that Beckham would be able to make a difference
against that level of opposition.
Decorated career
He has enjoyed a great, decorated career but has always struggled to make an impact at the very highest level.
Even at his peak back in 2002 the then captain Beckham had little influence as England were sent out of the World Cup by a ten-man Brazil.
He would have brought experience, guidance and a cool head to the England dressing room but doesn't seem to have the pace or game to compete on the global stage anymore.
The men wearing the Three Lions have much greater concerns than the probable absence of David Beckham.
Among the many headaches for Capello are the major questions over left fullback (Ashley Cole is injured, Wayne Bridge unavailable), right midfield (incumbent Aaron Lennan in doubt, possible replacements James Milner and Shaun Wright Phillips unproven at international level) and goalkeeper (Ben Foster doesn't start for his club, David James is still prone to calamity and Robert Green remains an international novice).
David Beckham has done everything possible to get to a record
fourth World Cup and it is a cruel blow for the megastar but has
little or no impact on England's prospects for glory.
Do you agree? Is David Beckham's injury a big blow for the
England team? Have your say on our messageboard below
Add a Comment:
Post new commentBennii Cortelliss said on 2010-03-18 @ 13:46 NZDT: Report abusive post
I Would have no problem with D. Becks being in the team as a mentor and support person for the less experienced debuees but as a player, come on, how many other 34 year olds will be virtually coming out of retiremnet to play in the world cup...... The move to US killed any chance he had of world cup glory.
Piglet said on 2010-03-18 @ 13:40 NZDT: Report abusive post
Beckham is a celebrity has-been with a way too skinny wife - it will be great to see the focus on the quality of football rather than the latest hairstyle or tattoo
ioscott said on 2010-03-18 @ 13:29 NZDT: Report abusive post
There isn't much between Lennon, Milner, SWP and Walcott for the right attacking midefield role. As for GK bring back David Seaman. Becks is washed up
KittyS said on 2010-03-18 @ 13:24 NZDT: Report abusive post
well i'll miss him - but suspect may see more of him if he's not playing - sure he'll be in there with posh wag in tow!
RedLady said on 2010-03-18 @ 12:39 NZDT: Report abusive post
While Beck's defo isin't the player he used to be, I don't think it is fair to say "there is little evidence that Beckham would be able to make a difference" one only had to look at the state of McClaren's England without him to see the impact him NOT being in the team. Like Owen, you can never bet against Beck's coming on to provide something, but I think what England will miss more than him being on the pitch is the influence he has on the squad in a mentoring role.