Int Football - Beckham could start in Germany

Eurosport - Sun, 19 Oct 09:12:00 2008

England manager Fabio Capello believes David Beckham still has an international future with the World Cup finals just two years away.

FOOTBALL England Ashton Barry Beckham - 0

Former skipper Beckham, 33, is just one cap away from matching the 108-cap tally achieved by 1966 World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore after making late substitute appearances against Kazakhstan and Belarus in the last two World Cup qualifiers.

But despite being restricted to cameo roles, and with Theo Walcott having supplanted him in the starting line-up, Capello is adamant that the LA Galaxy midfielder has a role to play both on and off the field.

The Italian even hinted Beckham could start the friendly international against Germany in Berlin next month.

"For the next game, it is possible, Beckham will play," said Capello.

"When I decide the squad, it is not for the few minutes that David Beckham plays. He is good for the group. This is important. In fact, this is very important - his influence.

"He knows everything. He transmits confidence in the other players. This is very important for the group.

"I have to choose the first XI and at the moment I choose Theo Walcott and Shaun Wright-Phillips who are playing well.

"Beckham might have played five minutes against Belarus but, for the next game, it is possible he might play all the game. I have to decide the best 11."

As regards criticism over the way Beckham was adding to his caps tally, Capello is clearly unconcerned.

He said: "I don't know how many caps he has. For me, it is not interesting to record everything. It is not in my mind. My mind is the victory, the game, the best 11. I don't think about it.

"Does Beckham deserve to be in the company of Bobby Charlton and Moore? I don't know. I don't know how many games they played."

AFP

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  1. re drew its people like you wots spoiling the game bet­ you was 1 of them people wot boo ya own try supporting­ instead of bad mouthing the lad ya sound like you got a­ bit of the green eyed monster to me

    From greenfield237, on Sun 19 Oct 5:34PM

  2. Drewy, are you on DB's payroll ? He's the most­ over-hyped, over-rated player this country has ever­ seen and his large number of England caps is a sad­ reflection on the state of English football and an­ insult to the likes of Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore and­ the like. He may be hugely popular with star-struck­ girls and football ignoramuses but real football people­ gave up on him when he sold his football soul and­ joined the celebrity circus.

    From Harry St. George, on Sun 19 Oct 2:57PM

  3. db is still quality he still is 100 per scent commited ­ still mega fit which capello demands any player who­ played under him would say that plus db technic is­ second to none might not have pace like walcott but he­ got wise head lets the ball do the work any 1 who­ played the game will tell ya that personally im glad he­ english and i bet everyone in that england dressing­ would tell ya same plus last point name me any player­ who can pass a ball like becks

    From greenfield237, on Sun 19 Oct 1:00PM

  4. poor england, When Beckham still has a role to play,­ with SWP, Theo, Agbolahor, and so on waiting in the­ wings

    From sabba, on Sun 19 Oct 12:42PM

  5. It takes a @#$% to say "David Beckham would be­ better of in a circus" FRANK C take note and stop­ being a chelsea fan u are. You probably knew football­ when you accepted chelski as your club so you are­ still in the dark. Try to find out more about DB and­ that will help you appreciate him. He is worth more­ than all your chelski team put together.

    From andrew, on Sun 19 Oct 11:59AM

  6. you are so emotional frank... ple became pro minded

    From saymz_mastika, on Sun 19 Oct 11:43AM
  7. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    beckham is not in same class has Charlton or Moore .­ he would be better of in a circus

    From FRANK C, on Sun 19 Oct 9:51AM
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