McClaren Wants Beckham to Hobble Over to England

By: Laurie | August 14th, 2007

Apparently England manager Steve McClaren thinks it would be just a peachy idea for David Beckham to go hang out at the England-Germany friendly on August 22, even though it looks like he won’t be able to play.

Beckham said: “I spoke to Steve about my fitness and how it has been over here. He said he’s looking forward to me coming over, even if I can’t play. It’s important that all the players are together.

What an excellent idea. Because flying doesn’t make Beckham’s ankle swell up or anything. And once he’s there, he won’t feel any pressure to play. None whatsoever. Even if England is sucking. (Which they will be, given their current injury situation, even without considering Beckham.)

And when he’s sitting on the bench, all kitted up (just for the photos and team camaraderie, don’t you know,) nobody will be coming up, slapping him on the back and saying, “How’re you doing? Ankle feeling okay now? It doesn’t really hurt anymore, does it? Boy…we’re really weak in the midfield right now. We still have one sub left. So sad that you’re injured. Umm…how’s that ankle?”

Yeah. An excellent idea. On behalf of Galaxy fans everywhere, I just want to say: Thank you, Steve.

You dick.

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Category: International Games and Issues, Player News

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Kenny

So we will be without Becks and Donovan for the Super Classico??!!!!! WTF!!!
I won't stand for a loss to those @#$@#%-^&*()_!
Wiz

I think McClaren is testing the waters and the resolve of both Becks and Lalas. Who really pulls the strings? It also seems alittle too "nice" for McClaren to invite his injured "buddy" back home. If England sucks it up then the TV camaras can pan over to an injured Becks and have their instant scapegoat thus taking the immediate pressure off McClaren.
Diane

The whole thing sounds odd to me too, there's not enough riding on--or publicity surrounding--a friendly to warrant the risk that would also effect Beckham's chances to play in the real qualifiers on September 9 & 12. England's hanging on by a thread right now and plagued by injury, even McClaren might not be stupid enough to a needless intercontinental flight to the ankle risks Beckham faces between now and the dates that count. The press conference sounded like Beckham saying he was invited (always nice) but would have to be fit and play for the Galaxy first--it didn't sound like he thought that would actually happen. Bringing us back to Laurie's question regarding why a player would be allowed, or encouraged, to assess their own fitness to do ANYTHING.

Mag, I love your manager assessments!
Roberto

This is an obvious smack in the face to the MLS and to America. Do you think McClaren would have asked for Becks if he was rotting away on the Real Madrid bench, injured or not? Maybe he just wants to ride the ridiculous wave of publicity that is David Beckham. He is probably more popular now than he has ever been.
Lee

Well, if he brings him over and sits him on the bench,
he won't be tempted to play for our mediocre (at best
right now) club from the colonies and he can keep him
"safe" for the matches in September. But, yeah, it
stinks on ice for us Galaxy fans.
mag

You are absolutely right,it's stupid to travel all over USA and fly to England without any chance to play. But this is modern football,it's not just sport but an entertainment+money+comersial+PR. And in England football more than a game,Becks more tahn a player.
I personaly don't understand how could he forget everything that McClown did and said to him. Pinky face is another SAF's dog...but still Beckham will never say NO to England,he will play there on one leg...