David Beckham Inspires England
Former Captain Recalled for International at Wembley against Brazil
In his first international game for eleven months, David Beckham helped England to a draw with Brazil at Wembley . He seems certain of selection for the game in Estonia.
David Beckham’s return to international football with England in their first friendly at the new Wembley stadium has been heralded a success following their 1-1 draw with Brazil. Beckham who has seen a remarkable turn around in his fortunes in the past few weeks with a return to the Real Madrid team which is sitting at the top of Spain’s Primera Liga and now the England team, created the goal that John Terry scored after sixty eight minutes to put England ahead. His free kick was headed home by the current England captain.
It was only an equalising goal in the final minute from Ribas Diego that prevented England making a successful return to the new stadium. Beckham played a prominent part in the game and his performance has been applauded by the England manager, Steve McLaren, and fans alike. Beckham show a return to the sort of form that had been missing in many of his performances during last summer’s World Cup in Germany and his expertise at free kicks added another threat to England’s play. He was given a standing ovation as he left the pitch with fifteen minutes remaining.
Beckham always wanted to play for England
Although Beckham stood down as England captain at the end of the World Cup competition, he always maintained that he wanted to continue playing for his country and it must have been a great disappointment when McLaren announced that he would not be selecting Beckham again, preferring to concentrate on younger players with a view to future progress.
However, eleven months on times have changed and with England due to play Estonia in a crucial European Championships qualifying game next week, Beckham is assured of selection for a game that is vital to the England manager’s future. In his team selection McLaren has now returned to the formation that was unsuccessful for his predecessor, Sven Goran Eriksson – Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole. This has always been regarded as the midfield comprising England's best players but it has consistently failed to perform at international level or see the players produce the form that they display week after week for their club sides.
Pressure on England manager
The England performances and results under Steve McLaren have been very disappointing and the supporters aired their views and showed their frustration during England's recent games.
Having played six games, the midway point of the qualifying stages, England are fourth in the group, level on points with Israel and Russia but two behind Croatia. However, both Croatia and Russia have played only five games. England need three points from Estonia who have yet to earn a point from their five games.
Such is England’s concern that failure in this game could see McLaren lose his position and England have disappointed before when playing important international qualifying games at the end of a long domestic season.
Beckham's International Future?
David Beckham’s return to the England team has brought much media attention but his international future is uncertain in the long term with his decision to move to America to play for LA Galaxy in the summer when his current contract at Real Madrid expires. With Beckham’s obvious delight at representing his country, he may be regretting the decision he took in January to sign up for American Major League Soccer. There are doubts over whether the standard there will prepare him for the rigours of international football and concerns have been expressed about the affect long distance travelling will have on his performances for both club and country. He may regret a hasty decision which seemed appropriate five months ago but is not so appealing now with his England recall and the opportunity for Champions League football with Real Madrid heading the title race in Spain.
Further developments and speculation are guaranteed in the David Beckham story, that is guaranteed.
