Beckham Should Go to the World Cup

March 7th, 2010 | by: Rob |

Becks An interesting article over at the Guardian today, which suggests that taking David Beckham to South Africa doesn’t really make any sense. The thrust of the argument is this – we have other more/similarly talented players waiting in the wings that we just can’t afford to leave at home.

The focus is particularly on Theo Wallcott – who I am also a huge fan of – who due to not really having any form to speak of at all, is facing not going to the World Cup in South Africa, despite being a big part of us getting there, and of going to the last World Cup even though he’d not yet played for Arsenal.

Thing is, Beckham just offers more to the team than most of the alternatives. Even if you assume he can only play for half an hour – which in a big tournament is probably true, I still think he offers more than SWP, Stuart Downing and Aaron Lennon, all of which are listed in the alternatives in the article.

Certainly if we need to hold a lead, or need to change a game to get back into it, I hold that Beckham is a valuable player to have on the bench. Not only do you know he’s going to put in 1000% no matter what the odds against him are (see Greece in 2001, Croatia in the horrible Steve McLaren era), but he brings experience, belief and respect. And he stick a ball on Heskey or Crouch (or the way he’s playing, Rooney)’s head guarenteed. Which might be just the thing we need.

The other players listed, are similar to Wallcott in that they can run at defenders. But something different would what we would need to change a game, not something exactly the same.

For me Beckham has to go to South Africa if he’s fit. Even only to play a bit part – not for sentimental reasons – but for footballing ones.

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Faizal Mafia

Agreed…people tend to choose a squad based on a certain single attribute but that will ultimately make the team one dimensional so to speak…personally i would like have Becks,Barry,Milner & Crouch as back ups as they do offer many different options in addition to the first teamers usch as Lamps,Gerrard and bla bla etc…
ahmad

he should be there, lately players who play their last WC actually do good to put a final good impression, like figo in 2006 (led Portugal to a 4th respectable place) and zidane(simply was amazing) and even ronaldo from brazil who scored crucial goals for his team during that WC! i believe that beck is no different than these guys, if he plays he will definitely make something that will remind us of the old david beckham(probably a well calculated astonishing freekick as always).
aj R4E

I would agree a 100%. David gives full commitment everytime he steps on the pitch and his qualities are unarguable. Theo,Lennon on their off days can be of no use, but David still transpires passion. Check WC 2006 ENG V PORT.
hes an ex skipper and his perfomances @ ac milan back his call up
http://bolton.theoffside.com/ Matilda

I agree with all your arguments but Beckham brings a whole other dimensiuon into the picture. He can really strike fear into defenders. He’s such a legend that he’s really intimidating on the field. His commitment and sheer quality raises the quality of his teammates, and he’s a non-controversial leader in a team that’s running out of them. He missed out on Euro ‘08, he definitely deserves a place at World Cup ‘10.
bluemoon

David gives something different play for team that Theo or aron or SWP not give for team . With him in the team , like the team change the gear of the car . I think he can play in 60 min not 30 min.
james

David Beackhem should play FoodBall world cup 2010.
at list for the last hope for england and also me + his fans.
we’all want to see him in the match.
james

IF BECKHAM PLAY, ENGLAND WILL WIN THE CUP…. OTHERWISE
ENGLAND WILL LOSE THE CUP.
I SURE ABOUT THAT.
NOTE DOWN
ENGLAND DESTINATION IS IN BECKHAM HAND.
THANK YOU