BEND THE RULES LIKE BECKHAM

17-11-2007

Unfit player miraculously returns to the national team despite not having played for his club side lately. It could only happen to David Beckham observes Richard Nevin.

The return of David Beckham to the England side for the friendly against Austria sets a new precedent in the selection of players for the national side.

Having played no competitive football since his return from a knee injury sustained while playing in Major Leagues Soccer in the U.S., it is inconceivable that anyone other than Goldenballs would be afforded this sort of treatment.

Indeed, Frank Lampard had to make do with a seat on the bench following his return from a spell on the sidelines, during the recent defeat to Russia, losing out to the outstanding Gareth Barry.

The theory behind Steve McClaren's decision would seem somewhat off-beam.

Following Beckham's admirable decision to surrender the captaincy after the 2006 World Cup, he was dropped from the squad altogether, despite still playing for one of the world's top teams, Real Madrid.

At the time it seemed a brave move by the new England coach, a step towards the future, but now it appears to be the empty gesture of one attempting to make his mark in a headline grabbing fashion.

McClaren's reasoning for Beckham's inclusion in the squad this time is a reference to England's precarious situation in the Euro 2008 qualifying group and the need for "big game players".

Apart from a one man super show against Greece in 2001 and the nerveless dispatch of the penalty against Argentina in the Saitama in 2002, it is difficult to see where the ex-captain fits into this bracket.

From the day he pulled on the white shirt, David Beckham has polarised opinion in this country. On one hand he is considered to be a model player and the best England captain since Bobby Moore, on the other, he is dismissed as over-rated and the epitome of style over substance.

Whatever you're views, as he approaches the autumn of his England career and the inevitable 100th cap (limited edition merchandise available soon!), ask yourself this one question:

Who has gained most out of the east London boy's time as part of the national side?

David Beckham or England?

Go on then - who has benefited most from the Golden One's inclusion in the national team. England or Beckham himself.