I remember the blue tits pecking through the lids of milk bottles and the joy of that creamy top on sugar puffs first thing in the morning - that was in the days before homogenized milk, homogenized politics and homogenized television. But watching England tonight, it was good to see that the cream still comes to the top.
There are some, many of whom wear Claret & Blue, who resent Beckham surpassing Moore's record number of caps for an outfield player; but tonight showed exactly why he deserves it. By the time Moore was Beckham's age, he was a shot bolt, over filling a Fulham shirt in semi-retirement. Beckham, incredibly for a midfield player, actually looks as fit today as when he first broke into the England team. In fact, physically, I would have money on him having a higher muscle to fat ratio now than when he made his England debut. The discipline of the guy, given he is a multi-millionaire so does not need to be playing, is awesome.
But it is not just his fitness that takes your breath away. That cross for Rooney's header was sheer magic. On a plate, as they used to say, and Rooney dispatched it in the most perfect way possible. How many times has Beckham done that now, come on as a substitute and delivered the best pass / cross of the game? He hasn't got the pace of a Lennon or a Walcott and so rightly is not picked ahead of them, but for sheer class, only Rooney is his equal.
We looked so good tonight. The movement and inter changing of positions was awesome at times. Gerrard and Lampard can certainly play together under Capello - both were brilliant. Rooney was all over the place and bagged yet another goal. Heskey impressed, that missed header apart, in his short time on the pitch. Barry looked strong and secure. Carrick played a killer pass in his short time on the pitch. Lennon looked at home. Ashley Cole looked back to his best. James made a great save and Foster had nothing to do second half which suggests the defence did OK. We are going to win the World Cup. Seriously, we are!
I think comparing Bobby Moore's old record of 108 caps to David Beckham's 109 is pointless. The game has changed so much since the seventies. Was Bobby Moore the greatest ever player to don the England shirt? I don't know as I wasn't born. Is David Beckham one of the greatest England players of the modern day? Yes.
ReplyDeleteSo, in a game where fitness, technique and speed has improved so much in the last 30 years, does it make sense to compare? I don't think so. There's enough space in this world for two great players.
I agree mate. Moore was, IMO, the best player EVER to pull on an England shirt but it isn't Beckham's fault that Moore was unable to sustain his fitness into his mid thirties. Nor was it Moore's fault, fitness regimes have changed. My point is that Beckham is a worthy player to take Moore's record and we should celebrate his achievement, not belittle it!
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