Why Becks’ England career isn’t over
Fabio Capello has denied David Beckham the chance to make his 100th international appearance against Switzerland next week, but that does not mean the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder's England career is over.
It would be easy to write Beckham off following his omission from a provisional 30-man squad ahead of the Wembley friendly, but there are underlying factors behind Capello's decision that cannot be ignored.
For one, just like when Sven-Goran Eriksson took the England job, it is vital for the new man to get a good look at the players he knows little about. While Capello has no idea how David Bentley, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young will make the step up from club soccer, he knows pretty much everything there is to know about Beckham, having worked with him closely at Real Madrid.
Another factor is that Capello wants to stamp his authority on the job right away and make it clear that he will not bow to public opinion or external pressure. But don't be shocked to see Beckham recalled later this year, especially once the Major League Soccer season is underway and he is playing regularly.
For the 32-year-old superstar and his admirers, it is a setback, but it is not the end. Not yet anyway.
THOUGHT OF THE NIGHT
"If Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world or Europe he will have to prove it in the European Championships. That will be the only way we can judge him, when all the best players will have had the chance to be recognized" – Michel Platini, UEFA president.
