Beckham ready to play again...

Beckham is looking forward to playing for the LA Galaxy against Columbus Crew on 11 September.
After being given a 1 October return date, he is hoping to feature in part of the game against Columbus if progress continues positively over the next week: "I'll be on the bench and hopefully I'll get on the field for 15-20 minutes," he told the Galaxy website.

This coupled with the apparent reconsideration on the part of Capello, could bode well for a return to the international squad in the not-too-distant future.

The current squad is preparing to face Bulgaria tomorrow, but has been depleted significantly due to injury ruling out the likes of Lampard, Terry, Crouch and Lennon. Scott Carson has been released from the squad because of a family bereavement, however it is thought he may return for the following game on Tuesday in Switzerland.

Capello will consider Beckham for England

Fabio Capello seems to have reconsidered his very public 'writing off' of David Beckham after telephoning him and speaking personally. His normal stance is not to talk directly with players, but made an exception in this case. His relationship with the players has been cited as a cause of unrest, and his detached air may be an issue for the future if not resolved, but equally, players should have respect for their manager and his methods.

Capello has said that if Beckham gets fit and is playing regular football, he will consider him for the squad even though his recent emphasis has been on youth in the squad. Although it sounds like a sound policy, I would reiterate my view that as an Englishman, I am not concerned with age so much as ability to win games. There is a place for youthful exuberance in the squad, there is also a place for experience, but most of all, there should always be space for talent regardless of any other boxes that are ticked or un-ticked.

Capello has written David Beckham off twice now, for Madrid and for England. He was proven wrong in excluding him from the Madrid team, and hopefully Beckham, will get a chance to prove him wrong again.

Will Beckham play again?

Despite Capello and Allegri writing off the career of David Beckham whilst he recovers from his ankle injury, training is progressing and we can be assured that Beckham will be looking to silence the critics as soon as possible if not sooner...
In the meantime, West Ham have apparently renewed their surely hopeless quest to bring Beckham back to the Premiership, and it is even less likely that Beckham would entertain an offer from the new owners of Blackburn Rovers who are equally keen to have him on their books...

The story from LA is that Beckham has resumed normal training with his Galaxy team-mates carrying out the same routines and drills as everyone else. Far from being completely out of rehabilitation, LA coach Bruce Arena has stated that it's too early to expect to see Beckham playing competitively in the next few weeks. Nevertheless, it is clear that Beckham will be keen to get back on the pitch and demonstrate his skills, it is equally clear that it will be in Galaxy colours rather than a Premiership or England national team strip.

Rather than accept retirement on Capellos terms, it is thought that Beckham could make the proposed game between LA Galaxy and Manchester United next Summer his final game on English soil. However, talk of retirement is not really on the agenda whilst David gets himself ready to turn out to help The Galaxy get to the play-offs again - right now, LA are in a commanding position 4 points clear of Real salt Lake at the top of the Western Conference league table.

Beckham 'too old' for England

Fabio Capello appeared to end David Beckhams long international career last night when questioned about his place in the new set-up. Keen to emphasise the new blood in the England squad, Capello was seen to be agreeing with the view that Beckham is too old to win his place back in the team.

Of course, the fact that Beckham is past his very best is not in question, but it seems to me that there are two observations to be made about the Capellos comments:

• With Beckham recovering from injury, not present at the press conference and obviously not informed in advance - this was not the time or place to publicly 'retire' the most capped outfield player that England has ever had. Capello still displays a lack of tact and diplomacy, an attitude that seems to have had a telling effect on the England squad of late.
• Age seems to have been Capellos prime criteria rather than ability, this implies that a younger less-talented or gifted individual would get the nod before Beckham simply because of his age. Maybe Capello thought that saying Beckham was old was kinder than saying he wasn't playing at his best, but to be fair, no-one knows how well Beckham is going to play when he has recovered from his injury - Capellos timing is atrocious when you consider the lengths Beckham will be prepared to go to in order to serve his team and country.

Capello survived World Cup failure, and frankly, I was glad to see him retain his position - whether he will survive treating Beckham like this is another matter...

England 2 Hungary 1

This new look England team, with a new formation started the game well retaining 100% possession for the first 5 minutes or so right from the kick-off. Yet the longer they went without scoring, the more anxious fans and players became.

However, in the first few minutes Rooney had the ball in the net shortly before realising he had been flagged for off-side. Other chances came for this team which included the likes of Walcott, Jagielka, Adam Johnson and Joe Hart in goal (none of whom played in the World Cup). Walcott was a revelation, skipping past players and even getting crosses in - one lovely cut-back saw Adam Johnson uncharacteristically fire over the bar from close range.

England played efficiently and dominated the first half, which finished 0-0, nevertheless the fans were not delighted...

The second half saw the introduction of more new blood in the form of Keiran Gibbs, Bobby Zamora, Ashley Young and Dawson. It was just 15 minutes into the half that saw Dawson make an error, going to ground and allowing Zoltan Gera space in front of goal. The resulting pass and shot was deflected towards the goal, Dawson came flying in to make amends by clearing the ball milliseconds before crossing the line, but the linesman had already flagged and the goal was given. England 1-0 down, it wasn't as blatant as Lampards effort against Germany, but now England have suffered through linesman error in two games on the trot...

This goal (as so often happened in the World Cup qualifiers) animated England, Milner came on for Rooney (no doubt an hour was the limit stipulated by Sir Alex..), and a few minutes later Gerrard found himself in a bit of space 25 yards from goal and struck the ball with venom into the left-hand corner, 1-1 and game on!

4 minutes later and Gerrard scored again, this time using exquisite skills in the box rather than brute force, forcing his way through defenders and poking the ball past the keeper to seal an England victory - Dependable Gerrard, a 30-year-old in a team of youngsters, stepping up when Rooney had left the field - what a night for the England captain.

All-in-all, a solid performance to settle the nerves, Adam Johnson will surely be scoring his first goal in an England shirt fairly soon, he had the chance to play both on the left, and on the right and looked good. Walcott looked good, Gibbs looked good, Gerrard was inspired, Zamora had a great chance in the closing minutes tipped over the bar, as did Adam Johnson. Hart stood up well to deny Gera a late equaliser for Hungary - the only question is whether Rooney is really in the right place mentally when he puts on the shirt in the current England line-up...

No more Milan games for Beckham

AC Milan coach Massimo Allegri has hinted that there will be no third stint at Milan for Beckham as Arsenal host Milan at the Emirates stadium and hold them to a 1-1 draw - Beckham and family watched the game from the stands. Allegri suggests Beckhams injury will be difficult to come back from, yet David is aiming to come back months before originally predicted.
Rumours have been circulating that West Ham were hoping to sign him, but the Beckham camp have moved swiftly to deny and state that Beckham is happy in LA.

Beckham plots return

Bruce Arena has said that David Beckham could be back in training at the end of August. Los Angeles Galaxy are expected to take part in the play-offs again this November, but it is not yet known whether Beckham will be match-fit before the end of the season.

No doubt, he will figure on the bench and will be keen to get onto the pitch again as soon as possible.

In other news, England will be gearing up (without Beckham) for a return to Wembley to face Hungary in a friendly on Wednesday August 11th. This will form part of the build-up to the first of the European qualifiers against Bulgaria on 3rd September (also at Wembley). This will be quickly followed by an away match in Switzerland just 4 days later. There will be one more match this year (Montenegro at Wembley 12th October), and then the qualifiers resume in March 2011 against Wales (away).

Beckham says 'No'

David Beckham has categorically declared that he does not plan to go into football management at any point in the future, including the England job should it ever be on the cards...
Beckham reiterated his desire to continue in football mainly in his own football academies coaching at youth level, although I am sure he has plans to remain based in the US and linked with the MLS for some time to come.

Thierry Henry is reported to be available to play for the New York Red Bulls, and no doubt there will be more big names to follow - no doubt there are quite a few of the French squad who may be 'not available' for national duty after this years World Cup...
There are also rumors about Ryan Giggs being lined up for the MLS when he finishes at Manchester United. Sadly, many of the players that will be drafted in will be long past their best, of any of the rumors I have heard, the prospect of Giggs playing in the 'States is about the most interesting since Beckham crossed the pond.
Meanwhile Beckham is equally determined to state his case for being included in the England squad for Euro qualifiers, despite the fact that there is a real need for a 'new broom' to sweep through the current England squad, I remain hopeful that Beckham will be able remain part of the set up.

The right man for the job

Fabio Capello retains his post as England manager despite disappointing performances at the World Cup.

Beckham acknowledged being flattered by proposals that he might take the job, but fortunately sense has prevailed and the FA made their announcement when it became clear that there was no serious support behind the idea of letting Capello go.

A new look England team with some young blood will be required for the European qualifiers, and there are some candidates for retirement already. David James will soon be 40 years old and Jamie Carragher will head straight back for retirement from international duty. It is also unlikely that Emile Heskey or Ledley King will feature for England again. In retrospect, one wonders whether the inclusion of Carragher, King and Heskey was wise in the first place. There also a couple of tactical decisions that Fabio must admit were at least dodgy... nevertheless, England has little appetite for hanging ALL of the blame on the manager, this time the players must shoulder some responsibility at least for their lack lustre display.

The bright new stars will hopefully be lining up for the very next friendly against Hungary next month. Beckham will also be clamouring to retain a foothold in the new squad despite his age, one of the reasons that he will not entertain long-term ideas of a coaching role is that he is determined to play his part in the European qualifiers on the pitch.

Beckham for England...

Speculation is now rife as to whether Capello will be required to relinquish his position as England manager. Some sources are even saying that it is not impossible that Beckham will be asked to be part of a new regime - my own feeling is that this is highly unlikely as he will still want to be involved on the pitch for the upcoming European qualifiers. He also has a committment to LA Galaxy and longer term plans with the MLS to consider.

I am also not of the opinion that we should just throw Cappello out on the basis of the World Cup performance unless we have identified that it is Cappello's regime that was at fault as opposed to the molly-coddled players not being 'happy' simply because they have been asked to toe the line. I honestly feel that a bunch of players more committed to the cause and more prepared to make sacrifices for the nation would have fared a lot better under Capello - I would be willing to bet that had the German side been managed by Capello, they would have still beaten us. If that is the case, we must conclude that maybe the players cannot take direction or simply lack the leadership that encourages them to buckle down and perform for the manager.

Maybe it is a mistake to allow the squad to donate their fees to charity - we cannot slate them for taking the money, they are allowed to feel that they are performing our of some sense of charity and therefore are no longer obliged to put heart and soul into the game. It's an admirable gesture, but maybe short-sighted - I would prefer a player to take the money and feel obliged to perform accordingly. My feeling is that some of these players think it's all about them (as they are taught by the adulation we heap on them), we need some players who know that it's all about the team. Even Rooney who normally comes across as a kid who loves the game, is known to be petulant particularly about being substituted - whereas the feeling of privelege for being in the team in the first place should be the over-riding sentiment of any player.

I have a feeling that Capello will go, and I for one will be sad to see it, especially as he had just signed up for a deal that we see him well-rewarded for being sacked. It's not just that issue that rankles though, it's the issue that I think Cappello's no-nonsense regime was the right course, it's just that within this set of players resides the attitude that 'if I don't like it, I don't have to listen' - which has been fostered by the status of the Premiership in world football, their superstar status and superstar wages....

Germany 4 England 1

The thing we feared all along as happened, England were found wanting despite the excuse of an appalling decision over a disallowed Frank Lampard goal. When faced with a quality side, although able to show some degree of class and control, over the full ninety minutes this team just didn't have what it takes to compete at this level.

Germany started well, but were able to exploit England's defensive weaknesses (which to be fair any class side should), and these were weaknesses that have been present right through the qualifying campaign.

One goal down after 20 minutes, and two after half an hour England seemed to be on the ropes. Matthew Upson (arguably culpable in the first goal) gave England hope with a headed goal from a corner just five minutes later. Almost immediately after that Lampard had scored lofting the ball over the keeper, striking the underside of the cross bar and crossing the line before bouncing back. Everyone in the stadium saw it, it seems.. other than the referee and his assistants. We have all seen those 'did it - didn't it?' scenarios when there is a debate about whether the ALL of the ball was over ALL of the line - in this case there was no need for debate, the ball was several feet over the line yet incredibly, the ref waved play on... Germany did and almost had the ball in the other net...

Half time came and went, the same side (the one that started against Slovenia) resumed with some small hope. Later in the half a few changes were made to try and force another goal although Heskey coming on for Defoe, and Sean Wright Phillips for Glen Johnston (?) still make you wonder about how Capellos mind works. Needless to say, England's cautious moves forward left them very much wanting at the back - a fact that Germany took full advantage of, twice steaming down their left flank leaving defenders in their wake and scoring another two times with well-taken and scantly-defended goals.

A re-think is clearly needed, England need to go back to the drawing board and learn how to defend, only a solid defence will stand you in good stead at this level, the strikers cannot always be relied on, you need something to fall back on - something that England at this moment just do not have...

Bend it like.... Milner

James Milner got his second chance yesterday after being pulled in the first England game against USA when he clearly wasn't up to the task - to the extent where he earned himself a yellow card trying to defend the left hand flank.
Notably, he was put on against Slovenia to replace the ineffective Aaron Lennon on the right wing, and his performance was a crucial part of the turn-around in England's performance. England are used to getting 'Beckham-style' deliveries from that position, but in the absence of the master crosser, all that has been on offer are speedy dribblers who can skip past a couple of defenders but on the whole fail to deliver anything worthwhile. I like Lennon on the right, on top-form he can be virtually unplayable, but he has to be able to play in a way that England can benefit.
For my money, England with wingers who can cross the ball look ten times more likely to score than England with speed and maneuverability on the wings. I don't know whether Milner has been taken under Beckhams' wing for any special training, but the fact that 'normal' service has been resumed is absolutely undeniable.
Defoe has proved his value as a hit-man, and he nearly scored twice from similar Milner crosses - with Milner providing the service, you have more confidence that Crouch will be able get that last minute goal if the ocassion calls for it.

My interpretation of the rules on yellow cards in the 2010 World Cup is that Glen Johnson can not play in the next game - two yellows equals a one-match suspension, but after the quarter-finals, all bookings are scratched from a players record meaning that ONLY a dismissal in the semi-final would prevent the player from being picked for the World Cup final.