Beckham's Season And World Cup Dream Is Over

As everyone who isn't living in a cave is aware, David Beckham has been on loan to AC Milan in a bid to improve his chances of making the World Cup this summer. That dream has now ended after Beckham tore his Achilles tendon during yesterdays match with Chievo.

I do feel sorry for Beckham but the thing is, if I were Capello I probably would not have taken David Beckham to the World Cup anyway, and thus Fabio Capello and more importantly the England Team can be spared a media backlash from Beckhams absence in South Africa.

There is a good argument that Beckham would be an impact player, who could come from the bench and deliver a vital free kick or corner in the dying minutes of a game that could further our progress. But I would say that any player who is not in consideration of 90 minutes of action per game probably should not be going and I would also say that with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in the team we should not need additional set-piece takers, they are certainly good enough to build our set piece tactics around. Yes, Beckham may still be the best in the world at set piece delivery, but that is not enough on it's own in my book for special consideration.

Beckhams form has not been great for AC Milan, and he has not nailed down a first team slot. So, if he is not good enough to break into the team demolished by Man Utd recently, is he good enough for England?

I wish Beckham well and a speedy recovery and I will look forward to seeing him in his blazer giving his opinion from the BBC match box.

The John Terry Issue

Like most of you, I have been shaking my head at the revelations that have come to light regarding John Terry’s personal life, and more specifically it’s encroachment into Wayne Bridge’s personal life. The judge who presided of the attempted injunction made clear his feeling that John Terry had been more concerned about how this may affect his income through his sponsorships than he was of the feelings of those involved. The question now is this; should JT now carry on as England Captain?

I think when we ask this question the situation becomes murkier, because it wouldn’t matter if Terry resigned or was asked to step aside the problem becomes who would be asked to step into the breach? Well, that is open to debate, but the leading candidates are not exactly covering themselves in glory, certainly not if Terry is stripped of his captaincy because he is deemed not to be setting a healthy example of a role model off the pitch.

Let’s look at the potential candidates.

Rio Ferdinand. Missed a drugs test eight years ago despite receiving a reminder that very morning and still took himself off shopping for the afternoon… and turned his mobile off whilst out. All very fishy at the time, and perhaps Rio has won the benefit of the doubt from most it has left question marks over the whole situation. As far as sex scandals go, Rio was one of the players who gave new meaning to the term “Roasting” a few years back whilst on holiday in Ayia Napa with Frank Lampard and Kieron Dyer.

Steven Gerrard. Appeared in court last year on charges of assault, and though acquitted there was some released CCTV footage that sticks in the mind that seems not to hold up Gerrards version of having acted in self defence. I feel he is very lucky not to be in Prison.

Gary Neville. United Captain, but not only has Capello not picked him in any team yet, Neville is struggling to get selected for United and with his age is unlikely to be putting in a consistent run between now and the World Cup.

David Beckham. The appointment of Beckham would be a return to the past, not necessarily a welcomed one. He is someone who has struggled for fitness in recent years and has struggled to impress Capello consistently, both for England and for Real Madrid. He is a fringe player in todays England squad. Beckham was centre of his own sex scandal when he is alleged to have had an affair with Rebecca Loos. Then Manager Sven Goran-Eriksson didn’t seem to mind the allegations, but then again Sven was repeatedly revealed to be playing out the role of sugar daddy to a number of women behind the back of long term girlfriend, and paparazzi friend Nancy Dell’olio.

David James. About to be relegated. Not necessarily England’s first choice goalkeeper, so unlikely to figure in any discussions as new captain.

Frank Lampard. Well, as mentioned there are sex scandals, and then there are sex scandals where the English language is changed forever. This would appear not to have been an isolated incident so in the wake of one England captain stepping down in favour of another, Lampard may find he is not in contention for the same reasons.

Gareth Barry. Perhaps the leading choice based on probability of a start and lack of personal scandal in the media. With Barry as Captain in a four man midfield Capello may be forced to choose between Lampard and Gerrard for the role alongside him in the middle of the park. It is worth remembering that Barry was stripped of the Aston Villa Captaincy when he spoke out against Martin O’Neil and the club for turning down Liverpool’s advances. B as far as scandals go, not one that made the front pages.

Wayne Rooney. In arguably the best form of his career for Man United and if his metatarsals are strong enough he will be on the plane and a certain starter at the next World Cup. Two things do stand out against Rooney in the context of this debate; firstly Rooney has been centre of his own sex scandals, most remember ably with Patricia Tierney, or as most people will recall “ye auld Slapper”. Though, this is looked upon more in the context of a very young man thrust into the lime light acting out. Secondly, and this is more a personal thing, I don’t like Captains to be front players. I have always felt that the best captains are those in Central defence or Midfield because their position puts them in the best place to influence others.

So, back to Terry… Like I mentioned, I am in the camp that feels let down by his behaviour and is ashamed to see yet another England Captain embroiled in a tawdry affair. This is not new territory for Terry. He has confessed to a number of affairs before his marriage, and was involved in both a nightclub brawl which resulted in an arrest but also the shameful events around the September 11th attacks when a group of Chelsea footballers (including Frank Lampard) were drunkenly heckling American tourists about the attack in a bar near Heathrow. But, it would perhaps be somewhat hypocritical to strip Terry of the captaincy only to hand it to someone else whose scandals are just a little less fresh in the mind. Terry should be stripped of the captaincy but the general behaviour of the modern international player at the top of their game makes it impossible to choose somebody who both deserves to be the first name on the team sheet and also reflect exacting moral standards; or, at least has a better track record of keeping his pants on.

Yet again, England fans can feel a little aggrieved and pinned into a corner. Depending on how Terry plays this with the morally strict Capello, we will probably keep his place and the armband, but really it’s a reflection on the whole squad that there is nobody waiting in the wings in a position to assume this role given what has happened.

Ancelotti New Chelsea Boss

After very little speculation and to nobody's surprise Carlo Ancelotti has today been unveiled as Chelsea's new manager, their 4th in two years, 5th if you count Ray Wilkins one game.

Chelsea fans seem to me to now be acclimatised to these roller coaster rides and the outpourings of ambition that have followed previous managerial arrivals has been absent. The general consensus is that a change of direction maybe needed and a few changes to an aging line up needed. Ancelotti though has become famous for getting th ebest out of aging players and may not feel the same.

Personally I think it is a fantastic coup for Chelsea and I feel Ancelotti will likely bring Chelsea the Champions Cup within 3 years, and is certainly of the calibre that could deliver it next season with minimal changes to the existing squad.

The speculation will now be on who is staying and who is leaving. I suspect that there could be some bigger stories there in the next week or two. I have a suspicion that Ballack, Deco, Kalou, Bosingwa and possibly Anelka are on their way out. There are already rumours that a number of AC Milan players would like to follow their beloved coach to London and that is where I think they will look to first. I have my doubts that Kaka will be coming, mostly because of the price, but I have a suspicion that Beckham may be top of the shopping list.

What do you think?

Update 02-Jun-09 22:36 - Cor, I was way off there.

Milan/Galaxy Beckham Deal

It looks like a deal is to be announced between AC Milan and LA Galaxy for David Beckham’s services which will see Beckham stay in Italy until the end of the Italian Season in June. Beckham will then re-join LA Galaxy for the second half of the MLS season until late in 2009. Then probably in November or early December the transfer will go through and Beckham will rejoin AC Milan and play out the Second Half of the 2009/10 season.

Beckham’s deal with Milan was supposed to be so that he could keep his fitness levels up and play in a higher quality league so that his fitness and form could be maintained; and in fact on both counts has improved. But if Beckham is to go through with the above deal this could backfire on him and on England.

When England were good enough to qualify for tournaments a few years back optimism was quickly replaced with disappointment when the England teams rolled up and looked lethargic and slow after competing in draining Premier League Seasons. Manager Sven Goran Eriksson openly and repeatedly called for a winter break and endorsed the notions that the players were tired after long domestic seasons.

Beckham by the time the 2010 World Cup comes around will have played from early 2008 to summer 2010 with much reduced periods of rest and will be 35 at the time of the World Cup. Beckham’s desire for success is as strong as ever, but 2010 could be a tournament too far.

I also have sympathy with The LA Galaxy and the MLS. Their big money move for Beckham was designed to try and raise the profile of soccer in America and potentially lure a few big named 30+ stars over to play in their league. I don’t think they will feel they have got their money’s worth, what with Beckham’s injuries and desire to leave well before his contract is up.

Shilton - "Becks Won't Catch Me"

Just spotted this on the BBC website.

Peter Shilton has told Radio BBC Stoke that "I don't think he will catch my record. If he does, I will congratulate him."

Beckham equalled Bobby Moores outfield record of 108 caps already, but would need to feature in every game, including friendlies between now and a quarter-final at the next World Cup to beat Shiltons appearance record of 125 caps.

I think Shilton is right, Beckham will not make it to 125. What does everyone else think?

Deal Or No Deal?

The proposed transfer of David Beckham from LA Galaxy to AC Milan has collapsed after the Galaxy did not receive what they considered an acceptable offer before the deadline imposed on the transfer by the MLS.

Becks returns in a few weeks to LA. LA Galaxy say they expect further discussions from AC Milan but feel they owe it to the team and the fans to not entertain any further discussions on the matter.

Beckham's Lawyers Start Talks For Permanent Move

David Beckham's lawyers have opened talks today with LA Galaxy and the MLS about the possibility of making his move to AC Milan permanent. Though Milan and Beckham want the move, they are realistic in their expectations that the chances are slim and the cost would be high.

Beckham has performed well for Milan, and helped them up to second place in the league, trailing local rivals Inter by 6 points. His loan deal is due to expire on 9th March, and Beckham has publicly stated that he would like to stay, but the deal will only be possible with the blessing of LA Galaxy. Milan would be happy just to keep Beckham until the end of the Italian Season.

Did Beckham make a mistake in negotiating terms with The LA Galaxy before big European Clubs were alerted to his availability?