David Beckham set for England World Cup role
Today David Beckham is in Zurich where he will hand over the bid book for England’s campaign to host the 2018 World Cup. The former England captain was drafted in when the bid was criticised for lacking “stardust”.
Now it appears that Fabio Capello has decided he requires a little of that magic powder to sprinkle on the country’s attempt to win this year’s tournament, as the Italian waits to hear whether or not the former England captain has accepted an invitation to become a full time member of his coaching staff in South Africa.
Beckham is widely expected to take up the offer, and will act as an intermediary between Capello, his staff and the players, whilst also passing on his experiences of playing in three World Cups (in 1998, 2002 and 2006) to the younger men in the squad.
The proposal was made to the 35-year-old weeks ago, after a ruptured Achilles tendon in a match for AC Milan ruled him out of playing in the tournament.
Sponsors had expressed their dismay at the absence of the world’s most marketable footballer from South Africa, but they now appear to have been granted their wish by the England manager. The move is also being viewed as a chance to promote the 2018 bid during next month’s tournament.
The offer caps a remarkable turnaround in relations between Beckham and Capello.
The Italian froze the Englishman out at Real Madrid back in January 2007, when it became clear that Beckham had accepted an offer to join LA Galaxy at the end of the campaign.
Capello went as far as to claim that Beckham had played his last game for the club, but he later recalled the midfielder, who went on to play a starring role in Real’s title-winning season.
Now, he is Capello’s trusted lieutenant.
Beckham has assured Capello that he will be able to continue the rehabilitation from his injury out in South Africa without taking up the time of the England physios, as he bids to make a return for LA Galaxy before the end of the 2010 MLS season in October. The 115-times capped midfielder isn’t expected to join up with England’s pre-tournament training camp in Austria, but will be on the team’s flight to South Africa on June 2nd.
His experience and communication skills are considered vital by Capello, and while he is unlikely to be seen laying out the plastic cones and handing out bibs at England’s training base, his experience of playing under the Italian for both club and country is being viewed as a huge positive in the England camp.
Experience is valued highly by Capello.
He is delighted to have finally coaxed Jamie Carragher out of international retirement, while the recall for Ledley King was widely expected too. Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard will be looked upon to inspire the younger players at the tournament.
It is the most experienced man of the lot who could have the most important role though, albeit a non-playing one.
Beckham will be in South Africa, and while the World Cup sponsors might be happy today, England fans should be too.
Tags: