by Andrew Rogers

David Beckham: My Side 2003

“Sometimes I day dream about what it would be like to live there (USA). And that’s not just because the Big Macs are so much better than they are here.”

Much of the talk after Theo Walcott’s well taken hat-trick on Wednesday was that it spelled the end of David Beckham. Such notions are a little premature given his service for England and talismanic affect on the team at times.

What it does prove is that England can manage without him, but what is likely to happen is opposition teams will pay much closer to attention to Walcott in future, this will lead to claims that he has been subdued which will in turn create a clamour for the inclusion of Becks again.

It was apparent from D-Beck’s performance against the Croatia that he is not on top of his game. His usual energy was not there, and he lacks the dynamism that used to characterize his game.

It led me to wonder if Beckham is enjoying the good life a little too much? Or maybe he is getting on a bit which is a shame especially when you compare the success Paul Scholes is still having with Manchester United.

Whatever is causing Beck’s slump in athleticism it needs to be corrected, in theory MLS’s shorter seasons and emphasis of fitness should have made him sharper and more enduring. It’s too early to rule out a Beckham resurgence, especially when you consider the experience he is developing in extreme heat and at altitude.

England needs Beckham’s presence in the dressing room but it has to be commanded on his ability on the field, maybe he should start going to Wendy’s or even Quizno’s?

England for the World Cup!

Hope

With England's surprising demolition of Croatia at the Maksimir Stadium, a new era of sorts has emerged from the wreckage of Steve McLaren's injury plagued European Championship qualification campaign.

Where England was once beleaguered, they are confident, where they were once disorganised they now appear cohesive, well in the eyes of the mainstream press at any rate.

The sad truth remains the English media staggers from despair to joy with scant regard for reason and judgment. On the morning of the Croatia match one commentator went as far to question the tenability of Fabio Capello's position should he not get a positive result in Zagreb.

On the other hand after the game, the broadcast pundits sat there in agreement that World Cup qualification was a formality and that they had a good chance of winning the World Cup no less!

Same old Story

Of course we have been here before, Sven Goran Eriksson got off to a similar start when Germany were "blitzed" on the road to Korea and Japan in 2002. By the time both sides got the big show, England tamely surrendered with a listless display in the last 8 against Brazil, and Germany made it to yet another final.

It may seem to idealistic with the billions of pounds swirling around the English football industry, but the schizophrenia that inhabits the UK media when it comes to the Three Lions needs to be addressed.

The players have already complained about the unreasonable expectation for success, and this result will not help. In a months time England face Kazakhstan and Belarus and the misguided assumption is that England will now simply turn up and roll them over.

The reality is the performances are likely to be laboured; the players will be well into their Premier League routines, and Kazakhstan and Belarus will likely prove very difficult to beat. It’s probable the players will become inhibited and England will go through the media mill again.

Unsuitability

Apart from distorted expectations, the other problem is England’s style of play. During the European season, the cooler weather is conducive to England playing their high tempo game, Emile Heskey caused Croatia problems all evening chasing the defence, and they were not comfortable matching England’s work rate.

Unfortunately during the World Cup, England cannot execute this game plan, because of the summer heat. However, the final’s location could work to England’s advantage should they qualify- as the tournament will be played in the southern hemisphere.

Given England’s relative success in Croatia, it would be prudent to stick with the same side injuries permitting, but there is an in built media bias towards Steven Gerrard that will clamour for his inclusion. This should be resisted.

Competition for places

The team that produced in eastern Europe should be given a run, it can only work to Capello’s advantage if Gerrard, Michael Owen, Owen Hargreaves, Michael Carrick, Gary Neville, Jermaine Defoe, David Beckham, Shawn Wright-Philips, Micah Richards and David Bentley all have to fight to make the squad or bench for the national team.

Whatever the fans might think there is still a very long way to go, sadly for McLaren he thought he was on the way to a major championship when his side convincingly beat Israel and Russia in the space of a few days, and look what happened there.

HAVE YOUR SAY…
Will England keep their recent form and advance to the World Cup?  Does this team have what it takes to win a second World Cup?  How much credit goes to Capello for bringing a new perspective to the side?  Send your email to Soccer 365 by CLICKING HERE.

Andrew Rogers can be reached at andrewrogers@optonline.net