dShould he have been included in the GB squad? He's a worldwide Icon and still a decent footballer surely his presence would be positive in helping the youngsters and drawing crowds. He also did so much in getting the Olympics to London in the first place? Instead of Beckham we now have; Giggs, Bellamy and Richards as our over aged players. I believe not only is Beckham a better role model and bigger icon than the 3 of those players put together but he is also as talented if not more than each one. Your views?
Hmm, would have thought there were better options. I would have Giggs and Richards above him, but Bellamy is one i'm not too sure about.
Giggs and Bellamy may take it seriously, but BS will Richards take it seriously. After all, his hissy fit over not being included in the initial England squad suggests a lack of professionalism and he'll no doubt view it as nothing more than a kind of consolation prize. At least Beckham is a professional.
I've heard this a lot about Richards but I've not seen it reported by any serious publication. Not saying I don't believe you but can you point me in the direction of a trustworthy source for this?
Is it about trying to win a serious football tournament, or putting bums on seats by 'rewarding' the great ambassador, Beckham? Either is OK but if its the former then leaving out Beckham is the correct decision. What annoys me is that people are jumping on the Beckham bandwagon and calling it a "snub". It is not a snub, he just wasn't selected. This sort of outcry is exactly what would have happened if Hodgson hadn't selected Rooney and we all know where that got us! Beckham appears to be a great guy and he already has a fantastic life, I don't really see why he should be treated anything other than on merit. Well done to Beckham as well for the adult way he treated the news unlike Rio Ferdinand when he was left out of the England squad.
I think people are calling is a snub because he kept Beckham in every short list prior to the official squad then dropped him, stringed him on a bit.
I have seen it from Carrick, but as you said not from Richards. Even on his twitter he was cheering England on all the time. I thought Richards wasn't picked at all but just accepted it. Were as Carrick was going to be put on the reserve list, until he moaned and retired.
Well, if what I heard is incorrect then I'll put my hands up and apologise for being so unfair to Richards and wish him the best of luck for the football.
Yeah, I wonder if people might have got crossed wires with the Carrick stuff and the myth has kind of perpetuated itself. As I said, have heard it a lot but it seems to just have sprung up out of nothing.
I would definitely have selected him - as player manager. Stuart Pearce is a total waste of space when it comes to management. Beckham would inspire, motivate and lead. Exactly what the youngsters need. A true living legend dealt with in a very shabby way by a total incompetent.
MLS is basically the SPL with sunshine. He only went there for the money and the lifestyle. If he really wanted to play decent football, he would have stayed in Europe. On a purely footballing note, it's fair to omit him.
Doesn't give up promoting himself ...but gives up and chickens out of tackles The Olympics used to be amateur ethos....OK its changed now but Beckham is as far removed from the amateur ideal as its possible to get
That's a bit harsh, THAT free kick against greece is one of my great footballing memories he played them on his own that day and scored that free kick just when everyone else had given up...
