David Beckham’s turbulent sixteen year career at international level looks all but over. Fabio Capello has deemed the former Manchester United and Real Madrid man as “too old” and will no longer be seeking his services as he begins to groom younger talent into his England set-up.
The manner of Capello’s revelation is somewhat ignorant and obnoxious. The fact that he revealed his stance regarding the 35 year old during a pre-recorded TV interview instead of informing the player himself is just another calamity by the Italian. For a player of the caliber and distinction of Beckham, he deserved to be treated better than that.
Capello has insisted that a farewell match will be organised in honor of Becks – only for him to refuse the suggestion and vowing to force his way back into the reckoning with the LA Galaxy.
Nobody can dispute the impact he has had on English football. A true icon that is highly respected and adored by all of his compatriots. The commitment he has shown to proudly adorn the Three Lions crest is truly inspirational. A proud Englishman who will fight to the bitter-end.
His dedication to play for near two and half years straight with little rest eventually caught up on him as he ruptured his Achilles which quashed his World Cup aspirations. He left the San Siro in tears as he digested the realization that all his hard work and drive will count for nothing.
David’s two loan spells at AC Milan in the last two years have been primarily to enhance his international prospects. He made a real impression during his first loan spell where his technical expertise were evident for all to see as his pin point crosses and spectacular dead balls bamboozled the sturdiest of Italian defenses.
He has never been the gifted of players in terms of skill and pace but just one delicious cross of a ball can prove to a match-winning moment.
Although England’s World Cup campaign in South Africa proved to be one of the biggest anti-climaxes of the summer, Beckham was an integral figure of Capello’s back-room staff as he invited the former skipper to help out as an ambassador. A nice touch by Capello who recognized his passion to be a part of his playing staff for the finals.
However, he has overshadowed this gesture with his feeble revelation about the player’s future. All it would have taken was a simple phone-call, but once again another lapse of communication by the Italian.
David has had some catastrophic lows and magnificent highs in his international career – all of which have contributed to the David Beckham story. The making of him as a man and as a player was his sending off against Argentina at France ’98 where he was vilified by the English public. Three years later all that vile torment and grief was swept aside as his stoppage time winner against Greece booked England’s ticket to the 2002 World Cup Finals. David more or less played the Greeks by himself that day – he was incredible.
You can understand Capello’s will to bring in younger players into the England fold. The side has been craving new blood for nearly four years now and at last it seems to be recognized. Beckham has been an inspiration to all youngsters wanting to emulate him and his success. Has there been a player in the last two decades who has been more proud to play for his country than Beckham? Probably not.
As he continues his rehabilitation in Los Angeles he’s refused to give up on England. He has rejected the idea of a farewell game as he has no intention of quitting on his country just yet. It’s truly honorable for a player of his age still wanting to offer his services. Many players see international football as a hindrance and decide to concentrate on club football, but not Becks.
It is not the first time Capello has ushered Beckham away. The pair were together at Real Madrid and Capello did his utmost to ease Beckham out of the picture – only to recall his services during a tricky period for Los Blancos. Beckham then played an integral role for Madrid as they captured the league championship.
Ever since Capello has admitted that he was wrong to underestimate him and always expresses his appraisal of the player when given the chance.
In what seems to be a transitional period for the English national team, David Beckham looks set to be no-more than an England supporter rather than a player. He has been a tremendous servant to his country by racking up 115 caps – the second highest capped player behind former goalkeeper Peter Shilton, making him the highest capped outfielder ahead of Bobby Moore.
No English man or woman will ever forget his goal against Greece, the retribution against Argentina, nor the sheer passion and honor he has shown to represent the cross of St George.
David Beckham, we salute you Sir.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
