For a good portion of the last 2 years since Fabio Capello became England manager, much of the discussion surrounding the team has involved David Beckham and whether he warrants inclusion in England’s squad for World Cup 2010 in South Africa next June. His involvement with the LA Galaxy in MLS Soccer in the US suggested early that he might not deserve a spot, but loan periods at AC Milan in Serie A have indicated otherwise.

Last Tuesday was seen as a defining moment in Beckham’s career as it was the first occasion that he has faced his old club Manchester United. News reports of the encounter were wide and varied and in typical Beckham fashion, hype was not in short supply. The relatively high profile clash in the Champions League gave him an opportunity to substantiate his claim to a World Cup place. AC Milan coach Leonardo gave him a starting spot and many thought that this game would show his critics that claims he is too old are unjustified.

The manner in which the game unfolded has sharply reduced Beckham’s chances of making South Africa in June, and not necessarily because of his lackluster performance, but more as a result of the aftermath of the game in terms of his starting spot on the Italian side.

Beckham’s performance was not one of his best and the fact that Milan were outplayed for large portions of the game did not help his cause. He started in place of Clarence Seedorf in the center of midfield and was very ineffective for most of the game. Once he was finally substituted, Milan started to get back into the game and Seedorf’s goal only added fuel to a fire that had been smouldering since kick-off. Many Milan fans were critical of coach Leonardo’s decision to put Beckham in the starting line-up even though he has started the vast majority of Serie A games for the club. Many felt that it was a nostalgic choice that backfired badly and may have cost Milan the tie. Interestingly enough, Beckham sat on the bench for today’s game with Bari and it is doubtful that he will be picked to start anytime soon barring any injuries. He is confident that Milan will prevail at Old Trafford but that will not be enough to put him on the field at kick-off

David Beckham

Fabio Capello has always emphasised that any player on his squad needs to be match fit and playing regularly for his club in order to go to the World Cup. I think that is not entirely true as Emile Heskey, Theo Walcott, and Shawn Wright-Phillips have all been regulars on the England team at one time or another while only filling squad roles for their clubs. However, Beckham is different. He is up in years where fitness is crucial and more importantly lack of match sharpness can badly affect an older player’s performance. If Beckham continues to sit on the Milan bench, Capello will be forced to make some hard choices on whether he can afford to give him a place on the squad when other players may be more beneficial to England. One thing in Beckham’s favor is the fact that the English FA see him as an important ambassador in their pursuit to host the 2018 World Cup in England. I doubt whether that alone is enough to retain his place but I can guarantee it will be a factor.

Whilst never intending to start Beckham for his country, Capello has regarded the LA Galaxy player as a valuable tool in the make-up of his squad, not least for his experience and respect from his teammates, but it remains to be seen whether his return to play against his old club may have cost him what he craves most – a place in South Africa.