England Are An Embarrassment

David Beckham has been the main man for England for quite some time. I remember going berserk in the Sapporo Dome when he scored that penalty against Argentina in 2002. I went similarly nuts when he curled in that free kick against Columbia in 1998, although sadly I can’t remember actually seeing it hit the net from the opposite end of the ground. The contribution of Beckham’s right foot has been beyond dispute.

However Mr. Beckham is now 31 years old, and seems to have been struggling with his fitness for a while now. What’s more, at Germany 2006 England often looked at their most dangerous when he was replaced, both because Aaron Lennon causes defences problems and possibly because his absence allowed the rest of the midfield to find their game. At the next major tournament, Euro 2008, he’ll be 33, and would no doubt struggle even more.

Hence my delight when I saw that Beckham had called a news conference after the loss to Portugal. I was pleased that he had decided to retire from international football, leaving with dignity and allowing the likes of Lennon or perhaps Shaun Wright-Phillips the stake their claim in the next two years. But unfortunately it seems he made the wrong decision, deciding to stand down as captain whilst expressing his desire to continue playing. Bad call, I say, both for him and the team. I fear we’re now going to see him decline further, and if he continues to play we’ll hear ongoing ruomours that he’s being included for commercial rather than football reasons. I would be amazed if he is a genuine first eleven choice come 2008.

To be honest, I’ve always had doubts about his leadership skills as the national captain. Despite all the badge kissing and tears, on the pitch he hasn’t seemed to have the drive to rouse the team and push them on in the difficult games. Steven Gerrard or John Terry are the captain breed, and either one should be an improvement.

So, David, perhaps you should reconsider. Go now.