Is it time for David Beckham to hang up his England boots?

After playing the first 45 minutes against his adopted USA, is it now time for David Beckham to hang up his boots for England or can he still play a meaningful part in Fabio Capello's plans?

With the changing of the guard at half time, Beckham was replaced by David Bentley, the player thought most likely to step up to the plate in his absence. And although the Blackburn Rovers midfielder had a generally quiet game, England played much the better football in the second half as they ran out comfortable 2-0 winners against a largely unimpressive American side.

So should Beckham step aside? Alan Hansen, the BBC pundit, certainly thinks so, saying that if it had been a vital qualifier against the likes of Croatia the LA Galaxy midfielder would have been nowhere to be seen. He also suggested his appearance at Wembley was largely a token gesture by the England manager.

Has Beckham got more to give? His lack of pace was exposed but he still fired in three killer free kicks, including one for the opening goal by John Terry. Will that be enough for him to convince Capello of what he can offer? Or has the old warhorse seen enough?

Vote in our poll and let us know your thoughts below.

Opinion Polls & Market Research

Comments

[Ian Rosario]

I reckon David Beckham still has the passion to play for England. You could see it on his face when he received the Golden Cap. If I were Mr Capello though, I'd start with Bentley and then bring Beckham on if England were trailing and needed some of his inspirational free kicks. This could help Bentley settle down nicely into the right of mid-field and become a regular by the time the world-cup commences. You'd have to admit though, no one (bar Stevie G) can match Beckham's accuracy.

[pete]

Its so tiresome seeing Beckham on the field for england once again.He offers nothing from open play and merely saps the energies and engines of our other players who have to compensate for him being there.He sits there hoping and praying the game stops and his opposition is poor enough not to know how to defend predictable free-kicks.Alas,when it comes to proper opposition even this "skill" is exposed.Englands play in the 2nd half pointed to our future and thats where we must be going not harping back to that Beckham style which has been exposed for its vicious limitations time and time and time and time....again.End it.

[Richard]

He played as well as anyone on the field. Except for the offical that 'gave' Gerrard the goal when he was off side clearly by a country mile.
Tainted game!

[Holman]

Yes, time for him to go. Not that Bentley today is better than Beckham. But because we hope that he will be by the time England have some serious matches to play. And, after he has gone, let us enjoy the memories of a great player.

[Dan]

Yes - the odd dead ball situation, but there are so many others who can deliver also.

Beckham is caught flat footed everytime England conceed possesion. He's got no pace or penetration (never really had these qualities anyway)

A bit like Scheva at Chelsea - hes now got too slow, but the real crime if Capello continues with him is the weakness to the RH side of the team and the denial of younger talent to have their day.

Keep him in the squad as a 'super sub' and he will have his uses. Keep playing him as a first choice and he will be played sooner

[Andy]

Nobody hits a deadball as well as Beckham. He may have lost a yard of pace, but speed was never an important part of his game. When the rest of the squad can take a corner and clear the first man/not hit it straight to the keeper then Beckham can retire.

[minnesota fan syd]

You've got to get serious. England's way shy on goal makers now and someone would suggest taking tried and true goal "server" Beckham out of the team's equation! Pure folly!

[Clive]

We have to look to the future of the team and not in the past. Lets bring on the young player`s who are our hope for the future and not the likes of Beckham who will lack even more pace than now.

[Benson]

As much as I don't think he can play in SA he is still the best right midfielder for England at present. His work rate and passion last night was on show for everyone to see.

[Ali G]

Beck's owes his country nothing, he's had his down's but he's repaid with interest. Playing in a sub-standard league in the States will do him no favours and with the march of time he will not have the sharpness in his game to be truly competative in World Cup qualifiers. He's given his all for his country and has left us with some great memories. Wheeling him out for one more bash isn't the way forward. The qualifying game hiatus is a good time to say goodbye to Beck's, and find a fresh, hungry replacement.

[David Moynihan]

I was at the game last night and Beckham looked fresh and keen. He supplied a goal that was disallowed, was a leading presence and was dangerous with his crosses - unlike so many other England players. It has to be said that he is an inspiring presence. Whilst we're here - Wes Brown... what a howler of a game.

[Adam Aspinall]

Come on guys he loves England and has the PASSION to play on forever. He's also the greatest crosser of a ball in the history of the Universe. It's just a shame about his complete lack of pace, touch, dribbling ability and quality domestic football. Someone shoot me. Please. England are just too depressing.

[Arlin Dueck]

This debate is old. Are you going to present the same question after every single Beckham appearance?
Anyone who watched the game knows Beckham did a fine job, and certainly provided more creativity than his replacement in Bentley.
So he's 33. He could be 103, and so long as he's providing goals, it doesn't matter. Is he a detriment? Of course not.
You're a fine writer Mr Samuel, but surely you could do better than rehash the same rubbish question all the time. Especially after a game when Beckham was one of the better players.
If you're looking for people to hang up the boots on their international career, how about having a go at Frank Lampard? I'm sure more people spotted "Waldo" on the pitch last night, than Chelsea's pride and joy.

[natalie]

beckham and gerrard you are a good footballer keep with it for your rest of your lifes .xxx

[Richard]

Bentley was awful last night so trying to link his arrival with England playing well is tenuous at best. Three quarters of his passes went to the opposition and the rest went backwards. He needs time but just because he thinks he's the best in the world, doesn't make it so.

I'd love Beckham to be a bench player who offers us experience late in matches as well as a threat from set pieces but until a winger or right midfielder arrives who can offer more he's unfortunately the best we have. I'd love to see Ashley Young given a go but that may require even further surgery to that midfield!

[Geoff]

Beckham's passion for the last few years has been to reach 100 caps.. Simple as that.
He's a show pony, always has been. While his ability to hit a dead ball is not in question - in open play he has no pace, he can't take a man on and beat him, he can't tackle, he can't defend and he has no positional sense. Plus his ego knows no bounds which is why he has to take every corner and every free kick. He persists in hitting accurate but pointless 60yd crossfield passes ("Look at me..") when a shorter cleverer ball might be the better option. Ah, I mentioned 'clever'.. that's another thing our David isn't.
Ferguson saw the light and got rid how many years ago..? DB is a media darling and hacks love him because he always gives them something to write about.
Get rid.

[E Spurs]

This debate keeps running and running and Beckham keeps answering the critics as he has done throughout his life. Some people just don't like him, plain and simple and they are the ones calling for him to go because anyone who is impartial cannot fail to be impressed with how he plays such a significant part of every game he plays in. The man is the best ball kicker in the world - still - and he would get into every international team in the world. Look at how France and Italy treat their legends picking them to play in big tournaments well into their 30's. Beckham isn't as fast as he was - so what? He's still got the passion and his game was never about speed, it's about perfection and vision in passing and along with Gerrard he's still comfortably top of the English tree in that department.

[DOM]

The problem with Beckham is that often he plays quite well and does what is expected of him at free kicks etc but his way of playing has a detrimental effect on the performance of the team. When he is on the field we are predictable and our attacks are slowed down resulting in a lack of cutting edge. The result is the team spends most of its time in the opposition's half looking for freekicks. The fact that England have always looked ordinary in games is the natural progression of how Beckham's presence makes them play. It should also be noted that despite taking 4 or 5 freekicks at goal every game he plays, he has only actually scored 4 or 5 in his whole 101 caps. Conclusion: it's time for him to go and usher in a new dynamic attacking England.

[Mr David Roberts]

Beckham would be a useful weapon from the bench if we were losing and needed his dead ball expertese.
Why not consider Shaun Wright Philips on the right hand side as he has got pace to burn and would unsettle Defences and could provide a source of goals as well?Having said that though Bentley would be my first name for the right hand side of midfield.

[Stuart]

Ordinarily I would say he should retire but there's not a better alternative at the moment. Let's talk about Lampard, he was absolutely shocking last night, I didn't realise he was on the pitch until around half way through the first half.

[Pete]

It is not tiresome to see Beckham playing for England, it is however tiresome hearing this same question after every cap he wins playing for England. He played 45 minutes last night and did a fine job, a much better job than Bentley when he came on who was below par at best on an occasion that was neither big nor full of expectations. Yes we do have to look to the future and make sure players come through but this obsessive calling for the players of the future to play now is absurd in my opinion... yes Beckham will struggle to make the starting X1 in the World Cup (although anyone would be a fool to write of a character such as Beckham)... however he is good enough currently and in a results business it is the here and now that is the most important. The argument that we need to play the younger players now to give them the opportunity to settle into the team and gel as a team is flawed in my opinion given that England do not play nor train together often enough for such a gelling to be truly significant. As sais in a post earlier age does not matter, it is all about if you can do it on the pitch; and in another game where Lampard was below average we still find ourselves questioning a player who has proved in recent England Internationals he can perform at this level.

[alex]

The fact of the matter is, no-one comes close to Pirlo, Juninho, Beckham and C. Ronaldo when its a dead-ball situation. Unfortunately, only Beckham is English. It would be foolish and ignorant not to have Beckham around in the England squad. His attitude is an excellent influence, he would give his all for the England shirt, football is his number one love (yes above himself) and he would give his all even in a zimmerframe.

Although, a complete break from Beckham may be the cleanslate that England seem to need as they are far from effecient and their mentality is un-acceptable.

As for contenders, SWP doesnt get a game a month so he CANNOT play at international level. Lennon was only just re-discovering acceptable. Bentley needs to transfer his Blackburn game into the international arena (as Gerrard needs to on a sidenote).

Preferably, England would play tactics that fit modern football; with a defensive midfielder and probing wingers, for that reason. Walcott should be given his chance. Almost every time he has been given a chance at Arsenal he has responded excellently and the fact is he is a game-breaker with his pace and ability on the ball, although is far from the finished article. Still, keep Becks in the squad.

Create a transition for Beckham to leave and the heir (whoever that is) to succeed.

[PAUL]

I think age is irrelevant with Beckham as he is pretty fit and has looked after himself throughout his career but I am concerned about the standard of football in the US. Top players want to test themselves against the best each week; I feel Beckham needs to move back to Europe if he is to make an impact for England over the next two years. Otherwise he is no more than a free kick taker (albeit a good one).

[Darren]

@ Dom:

Beckham has scored 17 goals for England. Not to mention the countless others he laid on a plate for other players.

@ Geoff:

I really can't fathom your logic from what you wrote. The man virtually carried the team for 5 years. His passing and tackling showed how he lead by example. Ferguson didn't sell Beckham for his lack of football acumen, it was more about his personal life, (Posh et al), and the fact he could cash in on a very good player nearing the end of a contract, to bring in more good players.

[Andy Trezise]

David Beckham is undoubtedly the best right sided midfield play that's emerged from this country in the last 20 years and in my opinion is still probably up there with the best two or three at the moment. The guy obviously wears his heart on his shirt and is still passionate about the game which is more than can be said for some of his teammates. Bentley is an obvious star of the future, so is Lennon, so is Wright-Philips. But experience counts for everything. You can almost feel the difference it makes to the other plays when he's on the pitch. There's absolutely no reason why he can't continue at international level for at least another couple of years. As we saw last night - give him the first 45 minutes and he can deliver - use the next if need must to bring on a fresh pair of young legs to give the opposition more to think about.

[mark]

Beckham owes England nothing, he has been a true professional and is owed more respect, yes not quite the same player but can still deliver when required and being a super sub i beleive is the way forward as someone who can still cross the ball the way he does deserves to be in the squad, he was never about tackling or pace anyway...i believe while still fit the door should still be left open.

[DOM]

Darren, I was referring to how many goals he has scored direct from freekicks. Colombia, Greece, Ecuador and Paraguay (although that was actually an own goal and is not counted towards his total of 17). Let me know if you can recall more than one or two others. Given the number he takes shooting at goal, that is not a particularly spectacular scoring rate.

[Pete]

If he is picked on merit and puts in a worthy performance, then why should he?

Under SGE, he didn't have to compete, he was picked regardless of form. Now that he to fight for a place, he plays better.

[P Flannery]

I think that Beckham's delivery of a ball from set-pieces is magnificent and he is unrivaled. To have someone with that ability in your squad, at the expense of another pacy winger with no end product, is a good thing. Whether or not he will be availiable for the 2010 world cup is questionable, but presently, there is no-one who can deliver a ball the way he does. Set-pieces are a vital part of any team's attacking arsenal, and this should be capitalised on by Capello.

[Luca]

Forget about his age or his free kicks for once and concentrate on his passion and professionality.
When Terry scored ,he immediatelly turn around facing the crowd the get their cheers.
He is an example for the youngs and sometimes overated players in attachement to the England shirt.
Bare in mind that is the most famous English player of all times and the best pay player in the World but still want to be good for England.
Capello appreciate this quality and will call him over and over again.

[Jon, London, UK]

If Steven Gerrard cannot be accommodated in central midfield then why not have him on the right in place of Beckham? He is pacy and can deliver the ball. The reason Gerrard maybe doesn't deliver very much on the international stage is because he either gets shunted around in every position on the pitch or he is playing in the same position as Lampard. Give the right to Gerrard for now with Bentley as understudy. Beckhams done us proud but he is predictable and better teams who are streetwise will suss that out quickly.

[Simon]

David may not be as quick as other players but he certainly has more passion and will to fight for the ball, his passing and his dead ball passing is the best in the world. not many players in the england squad give a need to win a game the rest seem boring and slow

[Darren]

Dom,

I see the point you are making, but by that rational, how many goals come from direct free kicks at international level? Not many I think. Given the number of free kicks teams 'earn' around the edge of the opponents 18 yard box, I wager the ratio of conversion to goals is low.

Back on the Beckham theme, he WANTS to play for England. He has huge pride in wearing the 3 Lions. Until we find a winger capable of something near the quality he provides from wide positions, and he is fit, he should play.

[Dave]

"Becks owes his country nothing" How about a decent performance in an important game at a major tournament?
Name me ONE just ONE game in a major tournament against decent opposition where Beckham hasn't completely disappeared.
"Beckham has passion bla bla bla" My gran would have passion if she played for England, but sadly she lacks a little thing called SKILL. Perhaps we should try coaching sometime.

[Dan Xuereb]

I'd rather have Hargreaves taking corners any time. Beckham may be slightly more accurate but he's also completely one dimensional, his crosses always end up in the same place.

Playing him because of his passion is stupid if he doesn't have the skill to succeed at the very top level any more. In the words of Yoda, England: That is why you fail.

[Joseph]

I think both Peter Crouch and David Beckham are good impact players. That's why I would have them on the bench. You can bring them on and they will change the game. Unfortunately Beckhams lack of pace means that he is restricted entirely to making deep crosses. With short strikers such as Owen, Defoe, and Rooney, it becomes useless. I think England should adopt a formation that all the top English teams are
4-3-3. Play Rooney and Gerrard off a lone striker, and play Hargreaves, Barry and Carrick behind.

[Stefan]

Beckham is a legend in English football and a top pro as well as a likeable and hard working player. But any serious business should not operate on sentiment. I actually think the US league is stronger than people make out, and fast paced and athletic enough to keep a top pro like Beckham on his toes. I think he is in good shape again after a dip in his penultimate year at Real. However, Bentley is the new Becks and if he continues then there is no space for 2 similar places of the same position. Bentley is the future and games like last night should be looking to the future as we are not warming up for the Euros. Hence form young players like Young should have played and non starters like Crouch shouldn't have been in the squad. Unless Bentley dips form or gets injured, he should be ahead of Becks at the moment, with a pacey, different winger as an alternative in the squad.

[Jon.G]

I was one who thought Beckham was over rated, but now looking at the dull performances from across the team I cannot see why you would leave him out. He does glitter somehow, I used to think that Gerrard, Rooney, Lampard sparkled too, but they look so ordinary playing for England. I think Beckham is probably one of the only international stars we've got, sadly thats not saying much.

[Phil]

I wish Beckham could play an international game without us having to have the same discussion every time. The terms of the debate are also superficial: why does it have to be all or nothing? The debate is stated as "Either he starts every match or he retires!" or "Either he plays until the World Cup or he retires now!" But why should it be such a black and white issue?

Football is a squad game these days, and it's important that both first-team starters and reserves have quality. Beckham is still at least as good as the alternatives. Wright-Phillips usually bottles it; Lennon has hardly set the Premiership a-light this season; if Bentley is as ineffective as he was last night, and if Walcott can't get a game for Arsenal, then there's a good case for Beckham's inclusion in the squad at least.

[Chris Cook]

I'm a F1 fan and know nothing of football but if Beckham is playing i always watch because you can bet on a good game and you can bet that any goals usually start off from his Foot. H e should carry on till he drops, it makes me laugh at the sso called pundits in the studio knocking him normally with on 25 caps to their credit with 101 he must have something

[Steven C]

As much as I am willing to admit that Beckham is an incredibly gifted player, and agree with many of the comments regarding experience. I think we should all probably take note of the fact - now that Capellos in, a "new regime" is in place, and the team should emulate this "new regime". Perhaps giving the younger talents at least the chance to gain experience in an England shirt may well provide further development of their skills, rather than plumping up an already obscene number of caps and hanging on to golden balls' golden days... The game has moved on, perhaps other things should follow...

[Harry]

Passion for England is what we are looking for ... isn't it? And DB sure has that passion. He should stay.
BTW a writer above says "Plus his ego knows no bounds which is why he has to take every corner and every free kick". Am I old-fashioned ... or is it still the captain that decides who takes what kicks?

[dsdgs]

Jes i think he should go .

[T]

Becks is amazing...he's got passion that nobody else in the team possesses and what he does at crucial moments is sometimes what really lifts the team...sadly though I don't think hanging on to him until SA 2010 is a good move for England or Beckham. He's probably got a bit more in him but should give way before the media/public crucify him for nothing other than playing his age.

[Ian Humphries]

Beckham has to play simply for the fact, like many of you have said, set pieces alone. Most goals at any level of football come from them, even more so at international level. With that in mind, if Capello does want to play the younger players i think Ashley Young should be given a chance rather then Bentley. His played just as well, if not better, and mainly because of his delivery Villa scored more set pieces then any other side. Add to that his got pace trickery and scores a few goals from open play. Im still not sure with Bentley, have a feeling he could be another Downing, brilliant for club not so for country.

[Marco]

England need to look beyond Beckham....yes a great player, with a lot of passion too. However, by continuing to put him in the side younger players are not getting as much exposure to internationals as needed.

[chandu]

Whether Beckham can or cannot play should be left to the coach and manager of the team. Most of these comments and queries come from those who don't even play the game. What the heck!!

[James phillips]

Look at MANU with Scholes and Giggs. The best teams have a blend of experience to lead the young talent. Terry and Beckham provide the experience and leadership for England.

[Stuart]

Isn't it time we stop repeatedly asking this question and just let Capello get on with it?

[Alastair Murray]

I used to hate Becks with a passion - I hate ManUre with a passion as an LFC born & bred - and the Argentina incident only made feel stronger about this - but my Late Dad - and Scots team would do - saw Becks true talent - and observing his professionalism and unquestionable behaviour as a player and as a Brit - His passion for the game and for the kids - He is a Man of great Stature in my opinion.
He also can place a ball like few others!!
So GO DAVID - it took a while but you are One of The Greatest!! And I salute you on behalf of my late and wonderful Dad! God Bless you David.
Alastair in Oz!!

[Jay]

Can't believe the amount of criticism Beckham is receiving from some sections.

Beckham is one piece in a team, I think no one would dispute that he is not the main player in this team but what anyone would dispute is if you focus your whole team around one player.

So far Capello's management suggests he is not inclined to stick to one player and he is developing the word 'team' strongly. So I hope this hounding of players is a forgotten thing in English football and we salute our team for their performance and criticize the team also collectively.

[james]

Let us remember Beckham had 5 tournaments-and failed badly every time.He is an irrelevance to our future and is only preventing that future from materialising.Players like Bentley need a real run to learn the ropes at this level-to judge him on 45 minute spells is ludicrous.Please remember Beckham made his debut in 96 and was irrelevant until he finally scored from one of his endless free-kick attempts for the first time in world cup 98.Its an embarrassment to england that this farcically overhyped player has got to play for so long,lets not compound it by not building something new for 2010.

[David Leach]

From the other side of the pond I make this observation: England would be getting ready for the European Cup if McLaren hadn't dumped Beckham and 'prepared for the future' and England turned in a whole bunch of dismal performances in the qualification. The future is now in every sport and the guy still sets people up and goals are scored. Like him or not, the results are on the table for all to see.

[Vanessa/Malta]

Unfortunately without Beckham England has never been able to shine. We are always hopeful they're going to be the best team yet we are always disappointed by them. Unless Beckham or somebody of the same calibre is on the the team, England will undoubtedly start off well, score once and start defending incessantly until the opposing team wins or achieves a draw. Beckham has always been an inspiration to the other players as well as to the watchers. At least if the match is boring there's always someone interesting to look at.

[Dexter]

He may now be slow. But no one and i mean no one can cross an inch perfect ball like becks. Should he be in the squad - defo. Should he be in the team - hell yes. A world class player only needs 5 minutes to change a game, so even if only till half time. still enough for the man.

[Julian Sweet]

I cannot believe this daft debate. People seem to look at his birth certificate not his performances. When Mcclaren left him out it was his own ego trip.

Granted Becks is not the player he was but that still makes him twice as good as the rest of the inept team.

Bentley looked good in one game but Englands 'improvement' in the second half was a short lived spell just after Barry came on and proved just how bad Lampard is in an England shirt.

You cannot attribute the second half to Bentley. What game were you watching.

Why all the debate about Beckham.

The fact that England cannot find a system with balance with Lampard and Gerard is the problem.

The fact that Rooney has cannot score. He just flatters to deceive. Is a problem. Defoe was more of a threat and got taken off.

Play old man Becks as a playmaker in the middle. Supplying Gerard and Joe Cole.

Lampard the only thing left to try is playing him up front just off Crouch or Defoe.

Rooney should stop pretending to be a striker and either drop to midfield or just retire for England.

[michael]

ah becks its turd rate country question? if beckham can be included in the england team, the decision to be a third rate country has been taken, simple

[Timothy Tanner]

Dave, how about his near excuse of our 2008 qualification campaign? His playing a part in most of our goals in 2006?

Let's look at the alternatives shall we. SWP went missing in big games for England in qualification and rarely gets picked for club. Lennon can't even get into the U21's, the idea of him as replacement shows how the media shouldn't question the likes of Sven and Capello. A pacy player comes on against tired legs and performs well? Wow, he got no assists at 2006 but he was hailed as a saviour. Couldn't just be quick player against tired legs could it? Walcott, better protected playing for the U21's where the press won't end up trying to destroy his confidence and still fighting for second rightwinger spot. Bentley, he who left the U21's in the lurch and has yet to perform for the England senior team, still failed during the USA game, his failure to cross or pass with any accuracy didn't help.

So why shouldn't we use Beckham? Yes he isn't quick but his deadball ability puts him above the other candidates for the role.

[Adam]

Funnily enough Capello is the England manager and he knows a darn sight more about football than the armchair managers. If he thinks he should play, then he plays. That's why he has the job he does and we all have a debate about it thinking we know better. It's completely irrelevant topic as Fabio isn't going to play Beckham if he thinks it's going to hinder the team is he?

[James Roberts]

An old question but one with plenty of miles in it yet.

When Beckham plays, England tend to score and often win. When he doesn't, they don't and don't. He is still - STILL - our best provider of goals. They may be ugly, especially when Crouch or Rooney are on the end of them - but it's about the goals stupid.

I like Bentley, I like Gerrrad, Hargreaves and Lennon (but not SWP) when they play on the right. England look better and play shorter passes with pace. The problem is that they just don't score as many goals and we all get to root for our favourite foreign team this summer as a result.

Passion is irrelevent and it's utter nonsense to assume that England teams have it more than others. He's there on merit until someone pushes him out - on merit.

[Karl Chads]

I was at the England – USA game on Wednesday, and David Beckham played well. He not only set up John Terry’s goal, but also looked very involved in most of the attacking moves, and tracked back to defend. I was surprised how well he linked up with Wes Brown, it was a seriously impressive partnership.

[Michael]

I believe as long as David Beckham is fit and can create chance's for the team, then he should still be picked. Age at the moment is still on he's side. In the longer team I think Beckham will move from a Team player into a Squad member for the next World Cup (if we qualify) where he could be used for impact, similar to the way Teddy Sheringham was used, and perhaps come off the bench to create chances.

[Steven]

So the Premier League can produce no better right-sided English player than MLS. When does Sepp Blatter's 6-5 system come into force ?!!

beckham rules, sport is about being entertaines and he is the only charismatic presence on the team

[James]

Should Beckham play? If there is no-one better then yes. If there is someone better to replace him then no. The question should really be ..... who can make more of a contribution than Beckham and therfore get his spot.

[ema]

I think he should retire asap

[Lee Arnold]

If Gerrard is asked to play on the left, why not just play him on the right and bring Cole back in on the left. Play 4-1-3-2, Like Man U only with an extra striker instead of a defensive Midfield player and just go and out score the opposition. Most teams now play with 1 striker and 2 supporting players, I think our 4 defenders and 1 Defensive midfield play should be able to stop them scoring.

[Sean Wardale]

In my opinion there is currently no English right sided player who is all round better than Beckham. The media should not be questioning whether it is time for him to retire, he can still make a very meaningful contribution by simply being part of the squad.
At the moment people keep pointing out Beckhams lack of pace, he has never had pace, he has never taken players on. He has so much ability with the ball that he can beat his man with the precision of his passing/crossing.
David Bentley is being linked with replacing Beckham, he is not as good as Beckham now, never mind when Beckham was the same age as Bentley is now.

[Mark]

It's simple. In the PL we can get away with playing younger talent because they have the team spirit in their club surroundings to help bolster confidence. This allows them to grow as a player and with this their stature gets to a level where-by they can go on to play at an international level. In the England camp we do not have this luxury. We need players who have already risen to the heights of their game and they can carry the weight of a nation on their shoulders. Players like Bentley, SWP, Lennon have not risen yet. Beckham is the only player for that position. So what if he's a little slower than normal, give the guy a break, he's carried England for years. Only now he can share the workload with a few other greats like Gerrard, Terry etc. Becks has earned the right to still be there.. and we should be proud that he hasn't hung up his boots. He still cares more about about the 3 Lions than most. As for Hansen's comments. Not English, Simple.

[alvin]

The main point here is the strategy the coach in going to play. If it something like 4-3-3, then Beck's role is reduced, etc. So its boils down to strategic consideration.

That said, I still think Beckham has a role to play on the squad. I do not think his presence will prevent the younger generation from getting their share of experience at the top level. In fact, his presence will do much good.

How many times have we seen young players shine and then disappear or get wasted due to the intense pressure the media put on them? Many of these youngsters are not experienced to handle the pressure yet.

With Beck on the team, the media focus will obviously be on him, he is a veteran at media focus (both good and bad) and can handle them well. With the media on him, the youngsters are left to concentrate on their game and gain whatever experience they are supposed to gain.

All in all, I think Beck will be a positive addition to the team for now, whether it is his skills with the ball or experience with the media.

[Justin]

Everyone seems to forget, or chose to forget ! that it was David Beckham's goal that got England through to the quarter final of the 2006 World Cup (they won 1-0 ), before they of course lost ( with an injured Becks in the side )to Portugal and then went out.If Becks hadn't scored we wouldn't have even made it to the Quarter Finals ! Watch his England games again,for a second time, without bias, and you will see the contribution he always makes.
He has made and continues to 'make' most of England's goals when he is on the field, his desire & passion to play for his country never wanes. Who else in an England shirt has these qualities? I can't think of any England player in the last 40 years who has given so much to his country,but had to endure so much criticism. Most of it basically motivated out of extreme jealousy.

[John.]

Sorry. but England has not won anything in the recent past when David Beckham was Captain. Is he able to do any better at the next world cup. No... his presence is keeping out his replacement.
John Manchester