David Beckham confronted the unthinkable last night. The veteran has molded his immediate career plans almost entirely around the sole aim of convincing Fabio Capello that, come the end of the current campaign, he will still be worthy of a place in England's World Cup squad. However, with memories of Paul Gascoigne in 1998 abounding, his would be a sense of acceptance rather than outrage should his best efforts go unrewarded.
Gascoigne wrecked a hotel room, kicking over chairs and breaking lamps, and acted like "a man possessed" according to Glenn Hoddle when informed he would not be included in the party for the finals in France some 11 years ago. "I'm an England fan," said Beckham when offered a similar scenario.
"If I don't end up being in the squad that goes to South Africa, that won't mean I won't still be supporting the lads and wanting them to win. I want to be involved but, if I'm not selected, it's because the manager believes he'd have a stronger squad and stronger players without me. I would accept that."
Diplomacy dictates Beckham's international approach these days, even if his burning desire to reach a fourth World Cup will inevitably inflame relations in California when he secures a second loan spell away from Major League Soccer and the Los Angeles Galaxy this winter, with a return to Europe to maintain form and fitness. That will incense the same Galaxy supporters who were so disgruntled at the 34-year-old's six-month stint with Milan earlier this year. The midfielder will hope that is a small price to pay.
Yet, such has been the revival instigated within the national set-up by Capello in the last 18 months that Beckham's inclusion in a squad for the finals next year – qualification can be secured with victory against Croatia tomorrow – no longer seems an inevitability. The former captain trotted up and down the touchline on Saturday as his team-mates defeated Slovenia 2-1 but was denied a 114th cap, condemning him to his first experience of life as a non-playing substitute since England played Tunisia in Marseille in their opening game of the 1998 finals, just a few weeks after Gascoigne's outburst.
Theo Walcott, if fit, Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright-Phillips have each staked a claim for the berth on the right of midfield that Beckham craves. "Without a doubt," offered the midfielder when asked if he faced a real challenge to make the squad. "I wouldn't have any reason to feel guilty if I was selected ahead of any of those lads – the manager will pick the squad he needs to win games. If I'm in, then great. If I'm not, it's good for the other players. We're really lucky to have the players we have at the moment.
"I maybe offer something different, on and off the pitch, with the experiences I've had throughout my career playing for England in big competitions and for some of the biggest clubs. If that brings something to this squad and to the young players, that's great. But all the players have realised that nothing is certain about being in squads now. Every player has to work hard to get the manager's attention. If you're playing well, you've got a chance. If you're not performing, you haven't got a chance."It helps to be performing in a competitive league. Milan still hope to secure Beckham's return to San Siro in January in a similar loan agreement to that struck with Galaxy last year. The Rossoneri remain the player's preference as well, though there are other suitors. "Three or four clubs (have expressed an interest)," he said. "Milan have made me aware that they want me to go back there, and I'm more than happy with that, but it's always good to have options."
Those interested do not, as yet, include Sven Goran Eriksson and Notts County, with Beckham's focus fixed upon playing at a high enough level to justify his inclusion in the party bound for South Africa. "The Galaxy understand," added the midfielder. "I've got a great relationship with the owner, Tim Leiweke, and they know I have to come back. If it upsets a few people, I can't do anything about that. I keep saying how much I enjoy playing over there and how committed I am to the Galaxy, but I want to give myself every chance to be involved in the England squad.
"I've got plans, but my main focus now is on this game against Croatia. Being knocked out by them ahead of Euro 2008 was disastrous for us as a footballing nation. It's not about revenge. It's about us reaching the World Cup. The trust and belief had been lost in the players, but the squad has brought that back. Now we have to put qualification to bed."
Source: Google News
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