Beckham to be dropped

[dww]

The BBC are reporting that McClaren is going to drop Beckham.

It could be a good thing to show he is willing to drop anyone at this early stage, but I think it is foolish to not include such a good player in the squad in the future.

[Rich]

At least Beckham should now be included or dropped depending on how he is performing for Real Madrid.

I might be being pessimistic, but I don't think McLaren will be a success - however, if he can pick a team, rather than 11 individuals and isn't afraid to drop press favourites then he might have a chance.

There are three areas of a team: He should build the defence around Terry, build the Midfield around Gerrard and build the attack around Rooney. i.e. picking a formation and team to get the very best out of those players.

Therefore, strap Lampard to a rocket and send him to the moon....

[Ryan]

Dropped cos he's injured, or just dropped dropped?

[univofchicago]

Perhaps time for Beckham to retire from the international stage and concentrate on his club football?

A very good decision by McClaren, but should have come sooner..

[dww]

The thing is that Beckhams form for Real has been good. I worry it might become like it was for Macmanaman where he isn't picked because the England coach can't be bothered to check for himself how well he is playing and relies on media reports.

I think you are right about the key players in each area but I think we need to try and get a balance where we do not rely on any individual players and have a pattern of play which can withstand injuries/suspensions etc.

I would also like to see slight changes in the team to take into account the opposition. I actually have quite high hopes for McClaren, but we shall see.

[dww]

Dropped cos he's injured, or just dropped dropped?

According to 5Live people close to McClaren are saying Beckham doesn't feature in his plans.

[Ryan]

According to 5Live people close to McClaren are saying Beckham doesn't feature in his plans.

That's a very ballsy move from McClaren. Fair play to him.

[Rich]

If that is true, then potentially it's McLaren's second mistake (one per day - great start!)

To dismiss Beckham for the future is barmy - he did have a strong season for Madrid - and now that he has to work to play for England we might get to see some good Beckham performances. Plus obviously set-piece delivery....blah, blah, blah.

[MattBiscan]

That's a very ballsy move from McClaren. Fair play to him.

I completly agree mate. Was gonna say the same myself.

I know the press keep going on about it but for an England manager to step up and do it, it's huge.

Who will replace him though. Stevie or Aaron?

[paulcooper4]

or jermainne?

[MattBiscan]

I think he has a lot of work to do before McClaren would pick him over Lennon.

[red g]

That's a very ballsy move from McClaren. Fair play to him.

]
making a statement me thinks

[Charlie_B]

Beckham's still injured from the challenge in the Portugal game

[Mumsafan]

Liverpool trio Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch have all been
named in Steve McClaren's first England squad that will take on Greece at Old Trafford on August 16th.

There is no place in the squad for Sol Campbell, David Beckham and David James.

ENGLAND SQUAD: Robinson, Kirkland, Foster, Bridge, Brown, Carragher, A. Cole, Dawson, Ferdinand, G. Neville, P. Neville, Terry (c), Young, Downing, Gerrard, Hargreaves, Jenas, Lampard, Lennon, Richardson, Wright-Phillips, Ashton, Bent, Crouch, Defoe.

[dww]

I really hope in the future Beckham replaces Jenas in that squad. I hope it is just the injury that is keeping him out as I think otherwise, despite it being a ballsy descision McClaren is cutting his nose off to spite his face.

Can't see a justification for Kirkland in the squad either.