Beckham Will Keep England Spot

David Beckham is told he can keep his place on the national team by England manager Steve McClaren.

Beckham assured of England future - BBC

David Beckham Merchandise

David Beckham Leads England Back

England's hopes of qualifying for next summer's Euro 2008 got a boost as David Beckham assisted on two of three goals in a 3-0 rout of Estonia.

Beckham was undoubtedly England's most prolific player as the former captain played through a twisted ankle he picked up early on.

Two brilliant long-range passes into space, one that found Peter Crouch and one that found Michael Owen, sealed the victory that closed out the international season.

A lovely volley by Joe Cole from a Peter Crouch header had earlier put England on top in the 37th.

The 6'7" Liverpool striker was in impressive form but foolishly picked up a yellow late on that will have him missing the match against Israel on 08 September.

The win, combined with a draw between Croatia and Russia, put England closer to qualification.

England are currently 4th in Group E, but with four of their five remaining games at home.


Croatia 17
Israel 17
Russia 15
England 14
Macedonia 7
Estonia 0
Andorra 0

Glenn Hoddle Tips Beckham to Continue for England

Former England manager Glenn Hoddle told BBC Five Live that he backs David Beckham to remain in the England squad beyond Wednesday's qualifier.

Hoddle stated "I think he could be back to stay, whatever happens in America."

Beckham back to stay, says Hoddle - BBC Report

Euro 2008 Fixtures 02.06.07 - Qualifiers

European Championship 2008 Qualifying Matches

Saturday 02.06.07

13:00 - Kazakhstan v Armenia
15:00 - Wales v Czech Republic
16:00 - Russia v Andorra
17:00 - Azerbaijan v Poland
17:00 - Iceland v Liechtenstein
17:15 - Finland v Serbia
18:00 - Germany v San Marino
18:30 - FYR Macedonia v Israel
19:00 - Belarus v Bulgaria
19:00 - Bosnia-Herzegovina v Turkey
19:00 - Denmark v Sweden
19:00 - Lithuania v Georgia
19:05 - Norway v Malta
19:30 - Albania v Luxembourg
19:30 - Estonia v Croatia
19:30 - Greece v Hungary
19:30 - Latvia v Spain
19:45 - Belgium v Portugal
19:45 - Faroe Islands v Italy
19:45 - Slovenia v Romania
20:00 - France v Ukraine


Wednesday 06.06.07

14:00 - Kazakhstan v Azerbaijan
16:30 - Armenia v Poland
17:00 - Andorra v Israel
17:15 - Faroe Islands v Scotland
18:00 - Bulgaria v Belarus
18:00 - Norway v Hungary
18:15 - Finland v Belgium
19:00 - Romania v Slovenia
19:15 - Bosnia-Herzegovina v Malta
19:15 - Luxembourg v Albania
19:15 - Sweden v Iceland
19:30 - Croatia v Russia
19:30 - Estonia v England
19:30 - Germany v Slovakia
19:30 - Greece v Moldova
19:30 - Latvia v Denmark
19:30 - Liechtenstein v Spain
19:45 - Lithuania v Italy
20:00 - France v Georgia

Aaron Lennon - England Winger Ruled Out With Injury

Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon has withdrawn from England's friendly with Brazil and Euro 08 qualifier against Estonia.

Lennon ruled out of England squad - BBC

McClaren Sets Up Lose Lose

Steve McClaren might think recalling David Beckham was sound strategy, but he has truly set up a lose-lose situation for himself.

It breaks down like this:

-If Beckham plays well, McClaren looks like a boob and Becks possibly receives credit for helping put England back on track to qualify for Euro 08.

-If Becks plays badly, surely the former England captain will take some heat, but McClaren will look bad as well, seeing that Beckham's Real Madrid boss, Fabio Capello, has been able to coax sterling performances from the superstar.

Ultimately, an unthinkable loss to Estonia would be McClaren's undoing, but the win they will likely secure will not provide any glory to McClaren. A win would be seen as what is expected.

Now if McClaren leaves Becks out, then maybe the under-fire manager has bought himself some time until the midfielder leaves for the United States. Then McClaren can argue that MLS players are not up to European standards and no one will be able to say differently.

Presumably there is an outside chance McClaren just picked David Beckham because he's in great form, and the England boss actually just wants to put out his best eleven this time around. But that's probably not the case.

It's more likely McClaren has either misjudged the situation or there is some sort of political pressure from somewhere in the England brain-trust that is driving the recall.

Either way, McClaren's chance to claim glory all to himself might slip through his grasp if he allows Beckham to step onto the pitch Friday versus Brazil, or next week against Estonia.

Beckham Finally Recalled for England

David Beckham had recently stated that he would walk back from the United States to play for England, but now he will not have to.

The former England captain has been recalled by manager Steve McClaren for a friendly against Brazil on 1 June and the Euro 08 qualifier versus Estonia on 6 June.

Beckham leaves Real Madrid in a few weeks to begin his MLS career with LA Galaxy, but his recent outstanding run of form has earned a turnaround from McClaren.

Michael Owen will also be making his return to the England squad after injuring his knee at last summer's World Cup.

England Squad:

Goalkeepers: Paul Robinson, (Tottenham), Scott Carson (Liverpool), Robert Green (West Ham)

Defenders: Phil Neville (Everton), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), John Terry (Chelsea, captain), Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Wes Brown (Manchester United), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Michael Dawson (Tottenham), Ledley King (Tottenham), Nicky Shorey (Reading)

Midfielders: David Beckham (Real Madrid), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), David Bentley (Blackburn), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Kieron Dyer (Newcastle)

Beckham recalled to England squad - BBC

BBC Pundit Butcher Continues Ax Grinding

Terry Butcher doesn't like David Beckham. It's that simple.

No matter Beckham's form at Real Madrid, Butcher won't acquiesce. And if Becks' form gets too good, the "other" former England captain, the less famous one, well, he will simply alter the facts.

In Butcher's most recent column, he stated of Becks and Real Madrid "the fact that they are top while he is playing is co-incidental [sic]."

In all fairness, Butcher probably doesn't even watch Real Madrid, but if he did, he would surely be grinding his teeth as the Bernabeu faithful chant Beckham's name as they have recently.

Real boss Fabio Capello, who seemingly hated Beckham a few months ago, states Becks is in the "best form of his life."

And Spanish-based journalist Graham Hunter says "he has dominated almost every Real Madrid game he has played in since February, with absolutely marvelous performances, particularly in top games..."

And now, on the verge of the unthinkable, missing Euro 08, Butcher thinks mighty mighty England don't need an in-form midfielder, who plays on perhaps the best team in Spain, in possibly the best league in the world.

Terry Butcher is jealous of David Beckham. It's as simple as that.



McClaren must resist Beckham call - Terry Butcher BBC Article
McClaren tight-lipped on Beckham - BBC
Should McClaren mend it for Beckham? - 606 Boards

Euro 2008 Fixtures 24.03.2007

Group B Scotland v Georgia 15:00
Group B Faroe Islands v Ukraine 15:00
Group D Republic of Ireland v Wales 15:00
Group G Luxembourg v Belarus 17:00
Group G Albania v Slovenia 17:00
Group A Poland v Azerbaijan 18:00
Group A Kazakhstan v Serbia 19:00
Group B Lithuania v France 19:00
Group C Moldova v Malta 19:00
Group D Cyprus v Slovakia 20:00
Group C Norway v Bosnia-Herzegovina 20:05
Group E Croatia v F.Y.R. Macedonia 20:15
Group F Liechtenstein v Northern Ireland 20:15
Group E Israel v England 20:30
Group E Estonia v Russia 20:30
Group G Netherlands v Romania 20:30
Group D Czech Republic v Germany 20:45
Group A Portugal v Belgium 21:00
Group C Greece v Turkey 21:30
Group F Spain v Denmark 22:00

English FA Quick to Dismiss Beckham Recall Rumours

Not surprisingly, the English FA have moved quickly to deny rumours that Steve McClaren is considering a David Beckham recall.

The Mirror had reported that the England manager had polled players as to their feelings regarding a possible return of the former England captain.

The claims of the Mirror did seem highly improbable considering McClaren's previous stance against any kind of role for Beckham in the squad.

Despite a myriad of injuries and woeful England performances following last summer's World Cup, McClaren seems unlikely to recall Beckham for duty as it would surely be viewed as an admission of failure.

England travel to Israel for a 24 March Group E showdown.


More from other web sites (in a new window):
FA dismisses reports over Beckham - BBC

Related on Soccer Golazo:
David Beckham - Mirror Reports McClaren Interest
David Beckham Receives Standing Ovation and Straight Red
Steve McClaren - England Manager Prepares For Next Loss

David Beckham - Mirror Reports McClaren Interest

In a story that falls under the category of "hard to believe," the Mirror is reporting Steve McClaren having polled England players about a possible David Beckham recall.

The article goes on to speculate that the move might take some of the heat off McClaren.

Presumably, that heat would then fall on David Beckham, as it often does.

Beckham has been in good form since his return from exile at Real Madrid.

The former England captain scored in his first match back and received a standing ovation Saturday as he was sent off with a straight red.

18 February 2007
SHOULD I PICK BECKS? - Mac's amazing phone poll of England stars - Exclusive by Paul Smith - sundaymirror.co.ik


Related on Soccer Golazo:
David Beckham Receives Standing Ovation and Straight Red
Steve McClaren - England Manager Prepares For Next Loss

Steve McClaren - England Manager Prepares For Next Loss

Just as he did before England's 1-0 friendly loss to Spain, Steve McClaren has already started the process of lowering expectations ahead of March's crucial Euro Qualifier in Israel.

Earlier this week, the England manager errantly stated, "Qualifications are never decided in March, they are always decided in November."

In fact, qualifications are not decided in November, but they are decided over many months, during a series of matches with an equal amount of points available for each match. It's surprising this simple equation seems lost on McClaren.

Every match matters, no matter how often McClaren makes claims to the contrary.

And friendlies, if used properly, can be a gauge of how well the team is progressing, as well as being accurate measures of pride, a quality McClaren definitely seems to be lacking while attempting to "sneak" wins.

Of course all of this is presuming McClaren wasn't speaking to this past November when the English FA decided to keep him on, despite a pitiful October that saw once-mighty England draw Macedonia, and lose outright to Croatia.

If he was referring to that November, then it is entirely possible that England's qualifying hopes were in fact decided during that month.

But to truly interpret McClaren properly, it helps to go back to early February. Just ahead of England's friendly with Spain, McClaren made clear the unimportance of that match by stating, "I don't see it as make or break for me."

With his strategies on the pitch failing miserably, the off-pitch strategy of downplaying losses before they happen certainly appears to be paying huge dividends. After a horrible performance against Spain, there was not even the slightest of rumblings from the FA that McClaren might be in trouble.

Moreover, at this point, it appears that even a loss in Israel next month might not bring McClaren's reign to an end.

Interestingly, McClaren's predecessor, Sven Goran-Eriksson was afforded no such luxury as the Swede found himself on the rack at all times, even when qualifying relatively easily.

Credit to McClaren and the FA, it certainly is a new-look England. An excuse-making, underachieving, whinging England, whose hierarchy blames everyone but themselves.

Assistant manager Terry Venables was recently quoted by the Guardian as saying, "The academy system hasn't borne fruit. There are a lot of players coming from around the world which makes it difficult for local boys."

Whether or not Venables considers Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney academy-fruit is unclear.

But even if Venables statement were valid, with the current England regime, if the English Premier League were all home-grown, it would surely be safe to assume that the complaint would then be that "our boys don't have enough experience abroad."

Inexplicable inclusions of average Premier League players over proven and in-form players; failed experimental formations; draws and near-losses to Europe's minnows; a completely inept performance and loss against the only serious qualifying competition; never showing even the remotest signs of a squad that could compete with the world's footballing powers; and excuses in advance of every match.

Maybe the FA just don't want to admit failure, but unbelievably, it now seems entirely possible that the FA would accept a future McClaren quote of, "I don't think we can be judged solely on our failure to qualify for Europe. It takes time to build a program and we're making steps in the right direction. I should be judged after qualifying for the World Cup and not before."

It is all far from what should be expected from one of the world's top footballing nations. But startlingly, and sadly, it has become the status quo.


More from other web sites (in a new window):
McClaren doesn't fear being fired - FoxSoccer.com AP
Venables irked by foreign influx - BBC
England boss McClaren out of his depth? - Nick Webster / Fox Soccer Channel

Related on Soccer Golazo:
England Manager Steve McClaren Starts Spin Early
Michael Owen - England, Newcastle Striker Back In Training

England Manager Steve McClaren Starts Spin Early

Just ahead of England's friendly with Spain on Wednesday, Steve McClaren looked to get one step ahead of the criticism he will surely endure, win or lose.

While Spain manager Luis Aragones spoke to the importance of winning the match, McClaren was quoted as saying, "I don't see it as make or break for me."

Whether his quote was for the FA, the supporters, or both, is unclear.

But what is not unclear is the under-fire manager's motives.

An England win, of any kind, will take him off the rack until March when Euro 2008 Qualifying resumes.

But a draw or a loss, particularly a convincing one, would surely have the once supportive FA pondering the unthinkable: no England at Euro 2008.

No matter the outcome of tomorrow's friendly, a loss in Israel in March would surely be McClaren's final undoing, but today's comment reveals his desire to keep the wolves at bay for at least six more weeks.

The only real question is whether or not the FA is numbered among those howling just outside the door.

More from other web sites (in a new window):
England, Spain coaches under pressure - FoxSoccer.com AP

Related on Soccer Golazo:
Michael Owen - Return Might be Next Season
Owen Hargreaves Back Friday for Bayern Munich

Raul - Spain Manager Luis Aragones Expects Raul Recall

Spain manager Luis Aragones expects Raul to earn a recall with good form.

The controversial coach dropped Raul in September and Spain has stuggled in Euro 2008 qualifying, grabbing only three points from three matches.

They are currently 5th in Group F.

Raul is Spain's all-time leading scorer with 44 goals in 102 matches.

Raul will return, Aragones says - FoxSoccer.com - AP (new window)

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