End it like Beckham

Aug 12, 2010 |

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Aug. 12: The world’s most sought-after footballer is no longer wanted by his own country. David Beckham’s celebrity status, endorsement potential and good looks have often overshadowed his huge contribution to the England national team, but current coach Fabio Capello said the 35-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder will no longer be picked because he is too old.

On Thursday, the volatile British media lashed out at Capello while British Prime Minister David Cameron praised Beckham. “We will all remember some of those great free kicks, some of those great moments that he’s been responsible for,” Cameron said. Beckham made his England debut in 1996 and has played 115 times for his country, including in three World Cups. Last week, AC Milan announced that it would not be taking Beckham on loan again because of his age. But Wednesday’s remarks from Capello may sting more because the Italian made his comments on television rather than telling Beckham personally.

Capello did offer Beckham the prospect of a farewell appearance in a friendly match — possibly in November against France — but Thursday’s papers were still filled with fury against a coach already under fire for a dismal second-round exit from this year’s World Cup.

Beckham is second only to goalkeeper Peter Shilton on England’s all-time appearance list, and is well acquainted with the highs and lows of international football. He was blamed for England’s elimination from the 1998 World Cup for his petulant red card against Argentina, but scored the winning goal against the same team at the World Cup four years later.

He responded to jeering at the 2000 Euro with an obscene gesture to England fans, but was lauded by the same supporters little more than a year later when his last-minute free kick against Greece secured a place at the 2002 World Cup.

The latest revelation already has some speculating that this may not be the end of Beckham’s international career, especially if Capello’s spell in charge of the side ends soon.

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