Beckham crocked

[Flat_Eric]

... and out of the World Cup.

And thank fuck for that.

Now at least we won't have to endure all the Beckham hype in the run-up, and the fawning commentary about him being a "talisman" and all that shite. Not to mention all the hacks and the paps traipsing round after that sour-faced bag of bones "Posh" as she and the designer sprogs "take in the sights".

Others may disagree vehemently, but I don't think he's any great loss for England, given that his performances for the national team have - for the most part - been sub-par ever since about 2001. Basically he's been running on his reputation and past glories for the past few years (the goal against Greece in '01, the penalty against Argentina in '02, the goal from the halfway line against the mighty Wimbledon circa 1996).

A good player (in his day) for sure - but not a truly *great* player. Yes he was a grafter and had "passion" etc. etc. But a lot of the plaudits that came his way were just hype and hyperbole, and a triumph of image over substance.

Hopefully this marks the end of the circus, and he'll return to the UK for a low-key, one-season swansong in the Championship at Sheffield Wednesday, because down the years we've always been a great haven for washed-up has-beens and never-weres !football!.

- Eric

[b217bravo]

He may not play but sure as hell he is going to be there as the FA's ambassador for the 2018 world cup bid
So I'm afraid we are going to see/hear as much about him & his 'bag o bones' as if he had been playing.
When will it all end?
geoff

[Dave Wells]

Opens the door nicely for SWP, Alan Johnston (both City players) and even Bentley I'd say.

[Guilbert]

>and even Bentley I'd say.

Who is injured at the moment (and not a regular for Spurs when he is fit). I doubt he will get in the squad due to lack of games for England over the last few years.

Lennon is also injured at the moment.

While the Johnson goal for Man C the other day was a stunner it may be too early for him.

Wallcott is now more certain to go.

SWP will probably be the other right wide player due to his experience (if Lennon does not make it).

Milner is also a good right sided player (but can also cover other positions if need be, a useful squad player)

Trouble is when you only have 23 player to pick it soon gets diffiult to know who to take and who to leave out.

It is basically only 2 players for each position (3 for goalie).

Apart from Glen Johnson do we have another right back?

[Deuce Bigolo]

Might be a blessing in disguise

His AC Milan revival was a false dawn to me....he was still good for the odd spectacular free kick goal/cross etc


Just like Spain not picking that superstar Raul and winning Euro 2008

[Dave Wells]

People may mock but I think Phil Neville would be a good choice for right back.

[Guilbert]

>People may mock but I think Phil Neville would be a good choice for right back.

My guess is he was going to use Wes Brown as the second right back (he can also cover central defence as well).

He did play him in the last international.

The problem is Wes Brown is injured until late April.

[Flat_Eric]

Deuce Bigolo wrote:

>>

Apart from Milan being handy for Posh to attend the fashion shows and shop at the flash boutiques, it was only ever about maintaining his profile in the run-up to the World Cup (a bit arrogant of him to assume that he was going to be picked anyway).

Yes he was still good for the occasional cross / dead-ball goal (and spectacular penalty miss), but he's basically been a one-trick pony for years. The decline started to set in as long ago as 2003 after he left ManUre, and it's been downhill ever since.

- Eric

[jimslip]

I agree thank God he's gone. "Talisman?" I think more ball and chain! The media is run by women and they LOVE Becks, that's why he's been in the public eye for so long. I remember when Posh was insisting that the England team wear Sarongs or was it Tu-tu's, during Internationals, I can't remember? Anyway good riddance to both of them!