Goldenballs To Oldenballs

David Beckham won his 100th England cap against France last night to join an elite group of English players who have reached the same milestone.

Peter Shilton 125
Bobby Moore 108
Bobby Charlton 106
Billy Wright 105
David Beckham 100

It would not have been a surprise had Beckham announced his retirement after such an achievement but it appears he has no intention of calling time on his international career.

The issue is not whether or not he is still good enough for international football because in comparison to the rest of the England midfield he probably is (just) however the facts are he is playing a standard of football at LA Galaxy that is nowhere near the level of that which he enjoyed at Real Madrid and at this stage of his career he needs to be as fit as he possibly can.

Years ago people speculated that he would end up in a central midfield role as he approached the twilight of his career to better utilise his range of passing but we keep coming back to his club football and the fitness and air miles issue.

During the 1-0 defeat by France he looked as though he was literally on his way out a fading star substituted in the 63rd minute by Capello to spare him from the fatigue that would have surely set in if he had been allowed to complete the full 90 minutes.

Beckham talking about playing in the 2010 World Cup is like a bald man wearing a toupee he is not fooling anyone he has made a significant contribution to the English game during his career and is famous the world over but maybe now is the time for a dignified retirement.

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