McClaren Recalls Beckham for Brazil Friendly

McClaren Gives In to Fans Demands



Already there is speculation that McClaren is only recalling Beckham for the Brazil friendly as a response to the majority of English fans who were demanding his return. In an effort to gain popularity (as McClaren has very little with the English fans), McClaren obliged.

There is far too much controversy surrounding Beckham's English performances. Beckham is still a semi - decent player, who is English, who should be able to play. The fact that it is such a debate is a testament to how crazy the Beckham brand has taken the world of football. Nearly every move that any manager makes appears to be politically motivated to either punish or reward Beckham's behavior both on and off the pitch. Ridiculous.

Last summer's world cup showcased a lackluster English team, and demoting Beckham and promoting Terry as captain screams of punishment, but what about McClaren? He took over after Sven-Goran Eriksson's tenure but not without objections - one of his first official moves was Beckham focused - excluding him from not just the starting 11 but from the entire squad. Not smart. The English fans backlashed, and fought hard...hard enough to get McClaren to recall Beckham and rethink whatever motivations he had for excluding him in the first place, which at this point can only be speculated. Punish the celebrity athlete? Cut down on the WAGS at the games? Its possible the real reason may never be uncovered.

McClaren seems focused on bringing back "experience" to the English squad...but it didn't seem to pay off for Eriksson last summer and hopefully McClaren will be able to reshape the players into a functioning team and not just an all star bench.

Critics are already stating that McClaren is taking a risk, but a risk in what way? If Beckham cannot play he should be benched. If he can, then all McClaren has done is given the majority of the English fans what they wanted - an experienced player that may or may not be past his prime - the only way to determine that is to allow him to play and prove himself either way. There cannot be any harm in that, so long as his performance is what dictates his participation.