Beckham hype

[terryw]

Beckham has always saved his best performances for qualifying and friendly matches. He has never performed in European and World cup finals when playing against the best opposition.

Apparently today, the back page of every English newspaper, tabloid and broadsheet, is reporting that he wants to beat Shilton's record of 125 caps. That means that young players such as Bentley will be past their peak before given a chance.

All older players have to accept that the day comes when you gracefully have to step aside for younger players.

[Guest]

Beckham thoroughly deserves his 100th cap. Sure his best years are behind him but as Naang Faa alluded to, time and time again over many years he carried the team with those lung bursting performances and pin point accurate crosses.
My mind goes back to the World cup in Japan when he stepped up to the plate & slotted home that oh so vital penalty kick against Argentina, what sweet revenge that was following his sending off against the Argies in previous finals. (1998) And let's not forget the incredible free kick against Greece at Old Trafford.

Doubtful that he shall remain a England player for very long under Capello but this is a player who has consistently taken the form he shows at club level on to the International stage and the 100th cap is well deserved.

[daveduke007]

I will be pleased for Beckham because of his "Pride" and what it means to "HIM" personally to play for his Country

It will be a great "Milestone" for him and richly deserved 

As Pentire mentioned above, (following his sending off against the Argies in  previous finals. (1998) )
The "Treatment" David received from the Media and England's "fickle fans" was nothing short of a "FUCKING DISGRACE"   and we Man United "Fan's" don't forget that, so the National Football Team can   as far as we are concerned


David Beckham Career Stats
TEAM HONORS AND AWARDS

1992 - F.A. Youth Cup - Winner (Man Utd)
1993 - F.A. Youth Cup - Runner-up (Man Utd)
1996 - F.A. Premier League - Winner (Man Utd), F.A. Cup - Winner (Man Utd), F.A. Charity Shield - Winner (Man Utd)
1997 - F.A. Premier League - Winner (Man Utd), F.A. Charity Shield - Winner (Man Utd)
1999 - F.A. Premier League - Winner (Man Utd), F.A. Cup - Winner (Man Utd), Champions League - Winner (Man Utd)
2000 - F.A. Premier League-Winner (Man Utd)
2001 - F.A. Premier League-Winner (Man Utd)
2003 - F.A. Premier League-Winner (Man Utd)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF9Pahclz3Y

[Otho]

Give him his 100th cap in a relatively meaningless friendly, see if he's still up to it. If he is, great, pick him again. If he isn't, you have to say cheerio.

Talking of hype, I think it was a major disaster when he was made captain in response to media clamour and kept the armband when Sven GE took over. (I thought the same then - this isn't the benefit of hindsight.) Great dead ball skills, great crosser, great ability to change a game all on his own. But a captain? Never.

A captain doesn't necessarily have to be the team's most skilful player, but he does have to be the one that his team mates respond to. Beckham just didn't have that quality, especially when his superstar status led to him having a different itinerary to the others - arriving and leaving on his own jet, etc.

That time when Denmark whipped them 4-1 - their worst defeat in decades - was the classic example. They
gave away three goals in seven minutes. A strong captain, think of someone like Bryan Robson, Roy Keane, Tony Adams, Patrick Vieira, or of course Bobby Moore (you probably have your own nominations), just wouldn't have let that happen. They would have handed out instant tactical orders - the kind of instant orders that a manager simply can't give - and screamed at the others so much they wouldn't have dared get it wrong. Undeniably brilliant though he was, Beckham just never had that aspect to his game.

As I say, though, give the guy his 100th cap. He deserves that at least.

[stogie bear]

I think you give the ability of a (any) soccer captain to influence a game and his teammates too much credit.

It will be good to see Beckam trot out for his centenary cap.

It's also comforting to see that he sees the game in terms of his future with the team and not just as a 'testimonial' to his past contributions.

[Guest]

Bring him on at the 75 th minute and give him 15-20 mins to show whether he still has the talent , passion and commitment to play for his country at the highest level . Some people just step up when they are playing for their country , only have to look at the likes of Shane Warne or Ian Botham to realize that .

Oh by the way i really have no idea about this , but i firmly believe that form is tangible and picking a side using only tangible yardsticks is more often than not a reciepe for failure .

[jaymee]

I like beckham and I wouldn't mind a wardrobe like posh