England needs something more than Beckham though, he sells tickets and jerseys. He has no creative skills, his left sucks, and he really hasn't done so well in free kicks lately. Still... Who else is there on the right for England? They need to stop relying on Beckham and developing the younger players, thats what McLaren is trying to accomplish.

I still think its funny that everyone has to say something about soccer being boring or throw their two cents in, it just proves the type of person you are. I think some sports are just a waste of time, but would I go into a thread about it and start telling those players what I think... nope. True athletes can appreciate what sacrifices and talent it takes. It is just a matter of time before it becomes larger in the US... especially after they pass this rule that allows superstars in the MLS. Once the financial backing is in place, its going to take off faster than any other sport. The younger generation of soccer players is constantly expanding while they steer away from baseball, football, and basketball.

 

I think the England side is a little stretched in the midfield right now with Hargreaves and Cole out, although it still pretty saddening to me for them to play the way they did today and more so this past weekend with the supposed caliber of players still in the squad.

As for the game taking off over here, I would imagine it will be huge when the next generation comes through the ranks as those players will have been playing since they were old enough to sleep with a ball like we all did as 4 year olds in the UK.

Mike

 

Put down your crack pipe...Beckham is still only 31 and a fantastic playmaker. To say he is not creative is laughable. Plus, with a 6'6" target like Crouch in the box his accurate delivery skills are in demand.

Another thing with Becks is his workrate, I've seen him live on several occasions and he never stops backtracking to defend whenever possible, he is a consumate team player.

I understand McLaren wanting to move into a new era and put his own stamp on the England team, but leaving out Beckham was a bad mistake (in my opinion).

 

I would imagine having Beckham swinging in a few ***** would result in something favorable as well. Personally I do not think he is a fantastic playmaker in fact I never thought he was but his passing ability and free kick taking would still make his inclusion a no brainer for me given the current limited options in midfield England has.

Mike

 

Tell me the last time he scored on a header or with his left foot... I'll wait.

Reyes has him glued to the bench at Real... Plus Reyes already proved he can score on free kicks. When was the last time Beckham nailed one for Real? You figure with Beckham and Roberto Carlos over the ball they should be dangerous everytime... the only ones in danger lately are the wall and the fans behind the goal. He doesn't make any devestating runs, he can't take someone one on one... if your idea of creativity is playing a diagonal cross into space for someone, then I'll agree with you. Having someone who is 6'6" shouldn't need that accurate of a ball, they should be able to get up there and deliver. I will agree that he does track back, and he does stay with his man, but at 31 you expect that from a seasoned outside half. He is the reason that Salgado is out right now, hospital ball passes. His short passes are not up to par but he crosses the ball well. I think you are holding the crack pipe if you think he is in good form right now. There is a reason they are looking to resign him at Real, but unless he steps up he is going to keep playing relief to Reyes all year.

 

Same with Bobby Charlton...he famously only scored with his right foot...he must have been sh*t too.

I fail to see what Reyes excellent form has to do with the picking of the England team...the way I see it, Real Madrid have won as much as England recently...nothing...perhaps Reals change of manager will have the same effect..dissapointment.

Frestall, when it comes to picking football teams we are all armchair managers..you think this, I think that etc... but I personally would like to see Becks whipping in crosses at Crouch and Rooney..I have a feeling we'll see him in an England shirt again.

 

It'd be funny if that human swaztika started spinning really fast like a ninja star and started cutting people...


*day dreams away*

 

Club form has alot to do with national selection.

Bobby Charlton ended his international career at 32. He was a Long range shooter, not a crosser or some pretty boy. He was a complete player, Beckham is not. There isn't much similiarity there... sorry.

 

I guess it's similar to how Torres and Garcia have got Reyes glued to the bench for the Spanish national side???? Just because a particular coach favours one player over another doesn't necessarily mean they are right. Aragones is a pretty decent manager and he doesn't always pick Reyes for Spain.

The fact remains that in England's last few games we could have done with a crosser like Beckham. Carrick once again proved he's as useful as a chocolate teapot, and with Gerrard and Hargreaves both out Becks seemed like a no-brainer.

I agree with you about Charlton though...a far more complete player than Beckham will ever be...

 

I don't think alcohol has much to do with arranging a human swastika...it probably has more to do with very low intelligence.

I read an interesting study conducted at Harvard a few years ago which proved that there is a link between racism and low intelligence...what a surprise

 

I don't think it was them being racist so much as them trying to **** everyone off... Though I know they are racist but the **** party is def not a "good" thing in the average Croatians eyes. They are racist towards muslims and serbs mostly, and for good reason.

 

Did you ever see the movie ID? regarding football hooliganism that would pretty much confirm your statement.

Mike

 

Not seen that, I'll netflix it. I recently watched 'Green Street Hooligans' which is about English Soccer violence. If you can get over the fact that the Hobbit (Elijah Wood) plays a Harvard Journalism student turned hardcore English soccer yob then it is actually a pretty entertaining film.

 

I think that at that professional level, there should be multiple people on your squad that can serve a ball... not just Beckham. Every player in your back 4 should be able to send a ball in with some accuracy. Joe Cole could easily step into that role, Gerrard as well. That pair over the ball is pretty deadly from range. Don't get me wrong, I do think Beckham has a place on a team... and I do agree with the fact that with all the injuries its surprising he wasnt called up. I just think as of right now his form isn't up to par and McLaren recognizes that. They would rather do some experimenting and find a replacement. Gerrard looked decent on the right and Lennon could grow into the position with some work. Sometimes the best thing you can do as a coach is to sit someone and see if they fight back for their spot. He may come back even stronger and surprise some critics.

Reyes will find his place now that he is back in Spain... They are a little biased to players in Spain vs those that go off to other leagues. I still can't figure out why they dropped Morientes for the WC when he helped so much in qualifying.