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CAPELLO RIGHT TO NOT CAP BECKS
4th February 2008
CAPELLO RIGHT TO NOT CAP BECKS
It would have been astounding if Fabio Capello had named David Beckham in his England squad last week. On the brink of one hundred caps or not, every appearance for your country should be merited and Beckham, at present, simply does not deserve to be included in England?s squad.
Beckham?s contribution to his country in the past has been immense. His performance against Greece when England sneaked into the 2002 World Cup through the backdoor was incredible. Once lambasted by his own supporters after his petulant kick at Argentina?s Diego Simone in the 1998 World Cup, Becks won the English support back through his deadly set pieces and hard-work.
Yet when he decided to pack his bags at Real Madrid, where he had fallen in and out of favour with none other than Mr Capello himself, to head to America for a megabucks contract he effectively ended his international career.
No self-respecting manager like Capello would have allowed their first game in charge to have become a marketing bonanza of Beckham collecting his 100th cap. That certainly would not have sent out the correct message of the Italian, a coach known as a tough disciplinarian.
Beckham has not played in a competitive match since November so it would have been a huge risk to have included him in the squad as he would surely not have been as sharp as is required for international football. It would also have been very harsh on the other right midfielders who have played well this season, like Shaun Wright Phillips, if Beckham had been selected ahead of them despite his lack of match practice.
Despite Golden Balls? exclusion this time, Capello has not ruled out a 100th cap for the 32-year-old but he will have to earn it first as the Italian will evidently not call him up for purely sentimental reasons.
Beckham may still make his hundredth cap. He will have vital experience that can be called upon in big games and when injuries and suspensions begin to mount in England?s next qualifying campaign Becks may yet get his chance.
The actual disappointment in all of this is that a footballer with the immense talent of Beckham is churning out his remaining years in a third-rate league when he should still really be competing at the top level.
AULD ENEMY MATCH TOO SOON FOR GEORGE
It was probably a shrewd decision for George Burley to quickly postpone any potential friendly against England in May. It would have been great to have taken on the Auld Enemy once again but it may have been too much too soon for Burley whilst he is still finding his feet in his new job.
Burley said he did not want to field a weakened team against England, which would have probably been the case as both halves of the Old Firm have lucrative overseas pre-season tours planned for that period.
Had Scotland been comprehensively beaten then Burley would not have endeared himself to the support and the press. It was probably the right decision, although if we had won he would have become an instant legend!
AGONY FOR BRECHIN CITY
After defeating Hamilton 2-1 on Monday night Brechin City must have been distraught to have been kicked out of the competition after fielding two ineligible players in their fourth-round replay. Wherever the blame lies for that blunder it was a costly one and there will be no doubt that in the Scottish Cup next season the Brechin teamsheet will be thoroughly checked before each match.
TALKING A GOOD GAME
?The only way we will get into Europe is by ferry.?
Another classic from King Kevin Keegan.
?It?s like when a woman says no to you. It makes you even more determined to get them.?
Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd on trying to sign Fulham?s Collins John during the transfer window.
?I know it?s not enough to have one point from two games. We now have only one hope and that?s the Ivory Coast and God??
Nigeria coach Berti Vogts. Surely that is two hopes Berti?
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