LA Galaxy star David Beckham
feels no guilt being part of Fabio Capello's England squad.
Almost certainly Beckham will be asked to perform a cameo role
against Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday. And if Capello retains
that desire, one of the younger men is ultimately fated to miss
out.
"I wouldn't have any reason to feel guilty," said Beckham. "The
manager will pick a squad he thinks he needs for games. If I'm in
it, then great. If I can come on with the experience I have and
help the team, I will.
"If I'm not, it's good for the other players."
If 113 caps - a record for an outfield player - has taught
Beckham anything, it is nothing is certain.
Who would have thought when Steve McClaren declared he was
"moving on" from the Beckham era when he replaced Sven-Goran
Eriksson in 2006 that the 34-year-old would survive far beyond the
hapless coach, and well into his seventh qualification campaign,
all but one of which have so far achieved their aim?
"The players have realised that nothing's certain about being in
squads," he said.
"Every player has to work hard to get the manager's attention.
If you're playing well, you've got a chance. If you're not
performing, you haven't."