by Matthew Wilkins

Created on: June 03, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Removing David Beckham from the England squad would be like taking the steering wheel away from a car. Despite his critics, Beckham is without doubt the best right midfield player the United Kingdom has produced, ever. Without David Beckham, England would lack the passion, determination and sheer quality to progress.

Admittedly, Beckham is 33 years old and with respect to football as a profession, this is possibly the average age that most players retire. 'Golden Balls', however, is different. With his own personal aim of playing in the 2010 World Cup Finals, Beckham could go on forever. If he looked back on the choices he has made during his career, he would agree that being dismissed in the 1998 World Cup against Argentina was a costly mistake and, moving to Real Madrid from Manchester United was also a mistake, but deciding to continue to offer his services to his home nation, despite being dropped upon Steve McClaren's takeover, could have been the best decision of his life.

When Fabio Capello took the role of England manager in 2007, the familiar question hung over the England camp: Will Capello drop Beckham? No. Ironically, Capello dropped Beckham from his Real Madrid squad, only to call upon his services later in the season, which proved a title winning decision. It is Beckham's mentality and presence that can be the difference between winning and losing a game, or indeed between winning or losing a championship.

If England are to develop and fulfill their expectations, Fabio Capello must not drop David Beckham from the international squad. As the most experienced current England player, Beckham provides the positive attitude required for this nation to succeed at a competitive level. Like a car with no steering wheel, an England with no Beckham would be completely uncontrollable. This man is a genuine football fan, living the dream. He has played for two of the best teams in the world and has been the Saviour on many occasions for both his club and country. If not continued recognition and praise, Beckham at least deserves to keep his place in the England squad.

If Fabio Capello wants England to succeed, he cannot afford to eliminate Beckham from his team; in the long run, it could cost him his job. Beckham can provide the passion and belief required to reach the finals of an international tournament, but then also to perform well in that tournament and possibly even be victorious. 'Golden Balls' is the past, present and future of England football team and for solely that reason, he cannot be dropped. Eventually, when Beckham does hang up his boots and retire, it will be a formidable loss to the football world. Whilst he is still willing to play, one should appreciate the ability that he has consistently shown and admit that David Beckham has been and always will be one of England's greatest players of all time.

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