Beckham Is Back

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David Beckham's 100th Cap

Football fans, amongst other admirers, are still asking how a man like Steve McClaren, could sack a man like David Beckham. The very thought of it makes you wince! Put it another way and ask, how one of the most charismatic sportsmen in the world, was deposed by someone almost totally devoid of charm?

Whether the England team would have won a place in Euro 2008, if David had been playing during McClaren's brief and disastrous reign, is a matter of conjecture. Beckham does not profess to be the best player in the world, but he is, arguably, the best passer, and striker of a dead ball. In fact he is reported to have said "You all know that if I get the ball, and get two or three yards, I'll put the ball where we need to score. That's always been my game". With typical modesty he omitted to mention his own scoring of the odd spectacular goal or three!

What the miserable McClaren seems to have failed to recognise is the innocent charm of the ex England captain. Although he has his critics, Beckham, unlike McClaren, is liked by a substantial majority, including the other players in the England team. It is the sort of popularity that breeds the confidence so lacking in the McClaren era.

In a shrewd move England's new boss, and so far unscathed coach Fabio Capello, has brought Beckham back to play against France in Paris. It will be the L A Galaxy player's 100th cap, and there are few who believe he doesn't deserve it. As rich men go, Beckham commands unusual respect. His passion, and boyish enthusiasm for the game, contrasts with some of the less desirable aspects that hit the headlines. Alongside the other 100 cappers, Billy Wright, Sir Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore, and Peter Shilton, Beckham is only human. But without fear of repeating myself, their passion for football has secured their places in soccer history.

If superstars are perceived to be bigger than the clubs they represent, problems may arise. That may have happened in Beck's final year with Manchester United, but if so, it was only a perception and not a reality. Sir Alex Ferguson is another football legend, but not so great as the club he represents. Sure, he has served them well, but so did Busby, Best, Charlton, amongst many others, including David Beckham. It is rumoured that before he left United Becks was not the manager's favourite person. Nevertheless, it seems that David only retains good memories about his former boss, and he has frequently sung his praises, when others have been seeking a more negative reaction.

Of course there is also a manager/player relationship between Fabio Capello and David Beckham, after their last season at Real Madrid, and they seem to understand each other. David is as aware as anyone that he is not getting any younger, and cannot remain a top player forever. However, he is looking beyond 100 caps, not least because of that great spark of enthusiasm that is plain for all to see. Without doubt, we have missed him here in the Premiership, in a similar box office way to Jose Mourinho, because without such characters the game loses some of its sparkle.

Star footballers, Star managers, All-star teams; have catapulted soccer to the fore in international media entertainment. In this respect nobody is better known that Mr David Beckham. Despite all his wealth he comes across as an ordinary sort of chap, who has worked hard to succeed in his chosen profession. So it's a good time to applaud both him, and new manager Capello, who it seems, is aware of at least one factor in his predecessors demise.

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David Beckham 100 Caps