It looked an innocuous enough incident. Hobbling off the pitch during AC Milan’s 1-0 win over Chievo in March, David Beckham still harboured hopes of becoming the first Englishman to play in four World Cup finals. However, a ruptured Achilles tendon ended the 34 year old’s chances of being part of Fabio Capello’s squad for South Africa and Beckham’s dreams of overtaking Peter Shilton as England’s most capped player were effectively extinguished.
According to Paddy Power, who offer a range of World Cup odds, England are the 11/2 third favourite to win in 2010. So, will England miss David Beckham at this summer’s World Cup?
Critics will argue that Beckham was past his sell-by date and that England have a wealth of better options on the right side of their midfield. Beckham has only started six matches under Capello and with Theo Walcott, Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips, James Milner, Adam Johnson and David Bentley to call on, the England coach is not short of options.
However, since he took over as England manager in December 2007, only Wayne Rooney and Gareth Barry have featured in more matches than the LA Galaxy midfielder. Beckham has won 16 caps under Capello, the same number as established first team regulars John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole. The ex-Manchester United wide man has played more minutes of international football under Capello than Robert Green, Peter Crouch, Michael Carrick, Jermain Defoe, Joe Cole and Theo Walcott.
Whilst the majority of England’s right wing choices are similar in style – Lennon, Wright-Phillips and Walcott are all pacy, direct forwards – Beckham gave England a different option. Whilst he might not have the engine he had ten years ago, Beckham’s range of passing and set-piece ability are of the highest calibre and he would certainly have provided a useful alternative to a traditional winger. With three World Cups under his belt, it is also foolish to underestimate the value of Beckham’s tournament experience on the rest of the England squad. He is also a popular member of the England dressing room.
It’s almost certain that Capello would have taken a fit David Beckham to the World Cup. Whilst he might not have intended starting with the AC Milan midfielder, Beckham gave England a valuable midfield option that they will sorely miss in South Africa. With the World Cup Betting markets offered by Paddy Power having England at just 11/10 to reach the last four, the experience of Beckham could have proved vital to England’s chances.