David Beckham has been the international poster boy of Major League Soccer, and where he might not be physically able to compete in the World Cup this summer, he has the potential to play a role in the United States' match versus England next month.
After spending three years trying to raise the profile of soccer in the United States, Martin Rogers of Yahoo Sports writes of how David Beckham will now try to plot the World Cup downfall of his adopted homeland.
Beckham, the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder, has been ruled out of playing in the tournament this summer after tearing his Achilles tendon on March 14. However, England head coach Fabio Capello is determined to recruit Beckham for a coaching and advisory role to provide knowledge of the American players.
"There are a number of reasons why Fabio has said he wants David,” a source close to the England camp told Yahoo! Sports. “There is David’s experience – he has played in three World Cups. There is the respect the other players have for him.
“And, importantly, he has a good picture of many of the American players, the American style of play, their tactics, strengths and weaknesses.”
Beckham’s advisory role, which could be agreed and finalized over the next two weeks, would add another intriguing twist to his relationship with LA Galaxy teammate Landon Donovan.
A year ago, the pair was at odds following Donovan’s critical comments of his teammate in a book about Beckham’s stint in MLS. The two resolved their differences and helped the Galaxy reach last year’s MLS Cup final.
It is not uncommon for coaching staffs to employ scouts that have keen knowledge of football in the countries of their opposition, and Beckham would certainly be a likely choice to provide insight into Donovan and the US team.
If he does accept a role in this capacity, I would love to see the reception Beckham receives when he returns to the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles....
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