[starttext]
By Matt Barlow
Last goodbye: Beckham acknowledges the crowd after winning what turned out to be his last cap - against Belarus last October Fabio Capello started the season by ending an era. There has been much talk of retirement around the England camp this week but most of it had been voluntary.
Then, in a television interview shown in the build up to last night’s friendly against Hungary, Capello ended David Beckham’s international career.
‘Probably a bit too old,’ said the England manager with a chuckle when asked if Beckham had a part to play in the qualifying campaign for Euro 2012.
Then he thanked him for helping out in a coaching capacity at the World Cup finals in South Africa and that was pretty much that.
It signalled an unceremonious end to an England career for the nation’s most capped outfield player. On the day Beckham reported back to Los Angeles Galaxy after a ruptured achilles tendon, he found a line was drawn under an astonishing career spanning nearly 14 years, 115 caps and 17 goals.
He was 35 in May, so the prospect of him appearing in the Euro 2012 finals at the age of 37 was always unlikely, but there was never a question he would walk away from England like so many recently.
He would always be there if required, helping out on and off the pitch where required and quietly pursuing Peter Shilton’s record of 125 caps.
Agony and ecstasy: Beckham sees red at France '98 after a petulant kick at Diego Simeone (L) but his face is etched with joy after his penalty four years later dumped Argentina out of World CupThere were times during last night’s friendly when the glimpse of a new haircut or some shiny new boots may have proved a welcome celebrity distraction.
Capello’s decision is logical but, as ever, it was the manner of his delivery - an aside, a joke, an afterthought which left a lot to be desired.
It was further proof, if needed, that he is struggling t o connect with the fans who follow his team.
His revelation came on the same day AC Milan coach Massimo Allegri confirmed Beckham would not return to the San Siro for a third loan spell in January.
Beckham tore his achilles playing for Milan in March but Allegri said: ‘He is recovering from a bad injury and at that age I think it is difficult to come back.’
Greece lightning: Beckham's last-gasp free-kick steered England to World Cup finals in 2002The Italian club flew him to Finland for surgery but the former England captain is now back in the hands of Galaxy, where he has just over a year to run on his contract.
He has targeted a comeback next month, hoping to make a gallant return for the MLS play-offs, this time without the distraction of jetting back and forth to Europe to help his national team.
Beckham’s high watermark with three lions on his chest will always be the late equaliser against Greece in October 2001 to take England to the World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea.
It was the trademark free-kick at Old Trafford, the stadium where he grew up, and the jubilant leap of ecstasy which summed up the player, the patriot who had restored his image and rescued his country in its hour of need.
His performance that day was exceptional. He was at the peak of his powers, unlike at the World Cup eight months later, when a broken metatarsal ruined his preparation and he flew to Asia barely fit and unable to do himself justice.
Game over: The England boss says Beckham won't feature in Euro qualifiersStill, Beckham seemed to have Hollywood scriptwriters onside, and he scored from the spot to beat Argentina and avenge his World Cup heartache from France ’98, when he had been sent off for a petulant flick of the boot at Diego Simeone before 10-man England were beaten on penalties.
Four years on, at Germany 2006, he suffered again on the biggest stage, rarely performing at his best before ending the tournament in tears as he resigned as captain.
‘It has been an honour and a privilege,’ he said. ‘But the time is right as we enter a new era under Steve McClaren.’
Comeback trail: Life in LA may offer his only chance of playing football againHe was promptly retired by McClaren, but at least the new England manager had the forethought to phone and warn him of the impending revelation.
Beckham was about to board a plane for a pre-season tour with Real Madrid when he took the call.
He was 31 at the time but he played brilliantly for Capello’s Real as they won the Spanish title and McClaren was forced to recall him as England’s qualifying campaign for Euro 2008 went badly.
Beckham came back to face Brazil in May 2007, passing the milestones of 100 caps and Bobby Moore’s 108-cap record for an outfield player and towards Shilton’s total.
He was on course to play at a fourth World Cup finals until injury struck in Italy but that did not stop Capello taking him to South Africa as part of the backroom team.
Beckham looked unsure how to play it as he kicked a few balls around the training pitch and offered advice.
One of the enduring images of an awful day in Bloemfontein was a besuited Beckham remonstrating with the Uruguayan officials about Frank Lampard’s shot which crossed the line.
Suddenly, there was a statesmanlike demeanour from him. A manager? Certainly a figurehead. He remains a key part of the World Cup 2018 bid.
His last England appearance was as a 58th-minute substitute, replacing Aaron Lennon against Belarus in October last year.
But he will be back - maybe as a coach or a manager . . . or maybe a statue
source :dailymail
[endtext]