Everything happens for a reason; David Beckham may find this philosophical saying hard to stomach. But the powers that be have clearly decided that the 2010 World Cup was a bridge too far for the former England captain.
His ruptured achilles tendon suffered on Sunday night against Chievo for AC Milan has left Beckham facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, ruling him out of the World Cup and jeopardising his playing career.
The reaction from England fans has been somewhat predictable. Heartbroken - that a national treasure has missed out on ending his international career at the World Cup finals.
“I am absolutely gutted by this,” said England fan James Mbouba on Skysports.
“He is the kind of player every team would love to have,” added Kingsley Roberts on the same subject.
But fear not England fans - off the pitch there is no doubt Beckham’s experience and overall dominance would have been a huge plus for the side, but on the pitch Beckham is an ageing shadow of his former self. His form has been patchy since returning to AC Milan, and England currently have stronger options in the midfield department than the 35-year-old.
Beckham’s absence is more of a PR blow rather than a football one.
The one position England could afford to lose a player to long term injury is on the right-hand side of midfield – Beckham’s expertise with his passing does give England something different, but not to a scale in which it is tournament-defining. Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joe Cole can all step in on the right and provide an outlet that would walk into many of the top international sides. But there is a forgotten man who should be England’s first choice number seven, who is also currently suffering with a troublesome injury.
Aaron Lennon’s current injury predicament at Tottenham is far more worrying than the Beckham set-back. The Tottenham winger’s form before he suffered his groin injury would have brought fear to any full-back the world over. Although he has never really made the step up to international level, his progression and maturity this season has suggested that he is ready to play a significant part for England in a major tournament. His recovery is essential to England’s chances.
Questioned on whether Lennon could be ruled out of the World Cup, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp said: "I hope not. I hope he's going to be okay. I hope he'll play for us before the end of the season.
"He could suddenly see a bit of light and come back and if he does then he could be ready. Four or five weeks, we'll have to wait and see."
Thanks for the confidence-booster Harry.
While Beckham’s absence will no doubt take the gloss of certain aspects of England’s World Cup adventure, the fitness of a certain Yorkshireman currently plying his trade in north-London should be more of a worry for the Three Lions faithful.
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