David Beckham is doing it again. In the long history of football, never before has a player been able to transcend the game through taking advantage of his position the way Becks has. He has made his name in the fashion business, he’s launched a David Beckham video game (remember David Beckham Soccer?), and he even appeared in the global film franchise Goal.
It’s debatable whether he had any theatrical talent, but he has become a household name across the Atlantic. All this on top of a dazzling career in football, which saw him win titles in four different countries, win the Champions League and captain England in the World Cup. He’s quite the character, eh?
Now he’s about to establish his own club franchise in Florida. There’s just no limits with this guy. A general perception of David Beckham is that he is a simpleton and a halfwit that glides through life on his good looks and footballing ability. Still, the kid from Leytonstone has steered his career in such a way his name is a million pound-making brand, and he had the foresight to, when he signed for LA Galaxy, demand a clause in his contract that gave him $25million at disposal to attain his own club franchise when his playing days were over.
He’s an icon and arguably one of Britain’s most influential personalities. Therefore, I find it odd that the FA hasn’t approached him.
In preparation for the World Cup next summer, Roy Hodgson could have utilised both Becks’ experience and status. Here’s the highest capped English outfield player of all time. A former captain and a winner of countless trophies. Beckham would hold natural authority and be a source for inspiration among England internationals, so I find it hard not to regard this as a wasted opportunity for the FA.
Especially among the younger members of the squad Becks could have an impact. Players like Andros Townsend, Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge are more than likely to have idolised him in their youth. Beckham himself drew on the experience of players like Eric Cantona when he broke through the ranks at Manchester United and will know what guidance the youngsters need to be successful. Additionally he has been through everything from being branded a traitor to scoring a crucial 30-yard screamer in the last minute of the qualifiers to secure a World Cup spot.
As a role model, I believe Becks would have done very well indeed. There has been a lot of talk about the alleged criticism directed at Beckham in Sir Alex Ferguson’s recently released autobiography, yet the truth is, Fergie speaks highly of his former pupil. He describes the young David as one of the best trainers he’s seen on the Carrington training facilities. As a result, he still holds the record score on the bleep test at Manchester United. Doubtless, he must have a first class attitude.
In addition to all of this, let’s face it, we would love to see Becks back with England. The man is probably the biggest subject of football fans’ man crushes. Besides, Gary Neville is already aboard Roy Hodgson’s ship, and doing a fine job. I’m confident Beckham would accept an approach from the FA as he thoroughly recognises the responsibility and privilege that comes with wearing the Three Lions shirt.
So England – grab this opportunity before Dave drifts into club ownership. A man with such experience and international pedigree could help the World Cup campaign massively through imprinting his own sense of pride and proficiency on the hopeful squad. He will be an inspiration by merely appearing on the training ground (who wouldn’t love to meet David Beckham?).
Therefore, sign him up before he’s stuck owning a below par MLS side in Florida! Just don’t ask him to coach the penalty takers.
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