I still think Beckham is world class. It's been very trendy to knock him for a few years now and, while I accept he had a poor world cup, so did most of the team. Every member of a team does a job and Beckham on the right putting balls on a sixpence is something we sorely miss. he's not the best tackler in the team but he's not the worst. his commitment has always been beyond question. also, you don't need to be quick when you can deliver a ball 20 yards earlier than anyone else. Beckham alone doesn't solve the problems but England with him would be stronger than England without him.
I agree that some of the Beckham beating is quite sick. The way he was blamed for 98 when he lashed out for a split second (at a guy intent on kicking the shit out of him all game) was sick.
But is he still world class? Not for me.
He not only had a poor world cup he had an awful one. He had an awful European Championships before that and a very average world cup before that.
He hasn't done it at club level in at least 2 years. He's not done it for England (except in one off games vs poor opposition) in longer than that. Gone are the days where Beckham scores 15 a season.
Shearer is gone. The cross for the big man is not essential any more.
So what does Beckham offer that others dont? Not alot.
I'd much prefer to see a SWP/Lennon/Joe Cole type who can beat a man, cut inside, get into the box, shoot, play the through ball, use their pace AND cross than just rely on the fabled Beckham cross.
Roberto Carlos proved quite a few times that Beckham is easy to defend against if you close him down.
Yes he's one of England's best 23 players and should be in the squad, but to class him alongside the Alves' and Ronaldos of the right wing world is too generous IMO.
Author