Okay, the entire sporting world was tired of hearing about David Beckham before he was sold to the United States’ MLS Galaxy squad in 2007. Since then, the aging star has basically faded into football oblivion everywhere outside of tabloid land.
Beckham was attempting to make huge headlines by becoming the only footballer Englishman in history to appear in four World Cups. The 35-year-old Beckster isn’t a spring chicken, but America’s football (soccer) isn’t exactly as competitive as the rest of the world’s football.
This is why Beckham went on loan to AC Milan in January of both 2009 and 2010. He wanted to prove to English Three Lions coach Fabio Capello that he could keep pace with the faster, younger and skillful stars. However, that dream was crushed when Becks tore his Achilles’ tendon in a Serie A match against Chievo Verona.
Still injured and out for the entire World Cup, even if England makes the final, Beckham is still currently in South Africa, planning on attending his country’s game via the sidelines and even “helping out” with scouting and coaching decisions.
Forget what you think about Beckham and ask yourself if this is the right move for the English team. It’s great of Beckham to make the trek, but he’s still not playing – he’s not technically on the team. How many of you would like to sit on the sidelines but won’t get the opportunity?
Has David earned the right to mix it up with the players out there and actually act as a coach?
Beckham means well. He really does. And although he’s never been the best footballer out there, he has consistently tried to be. But everywhere he goes it ends up being a side show.
England and the United States have played a historic match (1-1). These two countries rarely meet but are bitter rivals when out on the field. Beckham’s presence could have very well been conflicting. And it could have been quite helpful, as he has intimate knowledge of a few players on America’s side having played with them.
Maybe Beckham would better serve his team if the dimming star stayed indoors and played casino games online while the footballers balled, but that’s certainly not his style.
It will be interesting to see what’s made of Beckham’s looming presence, win or lose. Will he be given credit, much like a double agent, if England wins? Will he bear some of blame’s brunt if the US wins? Is Posh Spice in the locker room?
These important questions will be answered in time.
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