David Beckham hopeful to be in the World Cup 2010 squad to meet 125 caps.
12th November, 2009
As the World Cup draws closer, and with several major changes to teams in the Premiership and Championship, it is becoming more of a mystery as to who will be taken to South Africa and more importantly who will start.
It seems almost certain that David Beckham will be amongst Fabio Capello’s first team line up, despite having not played a dominate role in the build up to the event. Alongside this, there is a lot of excitement that David Beckham will reach the same amount of caps as former goalkeeper Peter Shilton who claimed a record of 125 caps. The International star currently has 114 caps and is on track to mach Shilton if England reaches the World Cup final or the third place play-off.
If Beckham wants to compete with the record, he will have to feature in all three remaining England friendlies. In addition, he will have to ensure that he plays in every game, hoping that England reach the finals of the World Cup.
Beckham himself has made it abundantly clear that this factor is not what is driving him to the World Cup. He has also had to defend himself after critics have accused him of not being fit enough to continue playing for his country after evidence that he has lost his pace. Beckham has made endless effort to put the record straight, highlighting his desperation to avoid retiring saying, "I wouldn't be putting myself forward if I couldn't physically do it still. I still feel I can perform at the highest level and it is exciting to play again under Fabio Capello who is a great manager. I want to be part of the squad for the 2010 World Cup if at all possible. The manager has already said if I stay fit and I am performing, then I've got a chance to be in the squad."
Beckham has never been discrete about his passion to play for his country and he went on to say, “I want that to continue whether I'm a squad player, a sub or a player who comes on and takes a free-kick. If I can play at the highest level, I want to be a part of that still."
Bookies believe that other players should feel threatened as Fabio Capello may well favour David Beckham and put him in the squad as this could well be his last World Cup. However, James Milner has no worries at all, even though he is up against some of the biggest players England has had, including Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Philips and David Beckham. When questioned Milner explained, “Do I get the impression Beckham is nailed on for the World Cup? I don’t know. The only thing I can control is myself. That is all I can do, Will Capello give me as much chance as Beckham of getting into the squad? You would like to think so. He has proved that in selections before.”
In addition, the winger acknowledged the importance of equal opportunity, explaining, “Ideally, you want everyone to have a level playing field and an equal chance to prove who should be in the squad. I am hopeful Capello will allow this to happen.”
Bookies are offering competitive prices on who they think will join Capello in South Africa, with Paddy Power making Wayne Rooney 1/100 favourite to be chosen with Gerrard and Terry sharing the same price. Bookmaker Blue Square is offering Beckham at 1/4, with Crouch at 4/11 and Aaron Lennon at 2/5.
For more odds on the team line up then visit Paddy Power and get yourself £20 FREE when you sign up, or visit Blue Square and get your hands on a £10 FREE bet.
By Michael
