The great Beckham debate has begun again, following his inclusion in Steve McClaren’s squad for the upcoming matches against Brazil and Estonia. All involved with brand Beckham will have been delighted at the increased elevation of his already massive profile.

Many pundits, fans and ex-pros have all had their say and their reaction is mixed. As many saying it was a bad idea as those saying it is good, their qualification to form their opinion is more debatable than the former captains inclusion in the squad.

Beckham has been an integral part of Real Madrid’s surge to the top of la Liga and they are just two wins from securing their first silverware in four years, thanks to their results against second placed Barcelona who have a much healthier goal difference. Indeed both his club manager and his team-mates feel that he deserved a place in the England squad.

So why the great debate? All McClaren has done is his job, even if it has reportedly upset his number two Terry Venables, pick players who will do the best job for England. Choose the players with the most skill and form, and harness those attributes and impart tactics on the players to ensure and English victory. Which is something he has not really done since he took charge of Sven’s England team after last years World Cup. McClaren cut Beckham loose after he stood down from his role as captain, but not for footballing reasons, but because he could not handle the brand Beckham roadshow. Although to be fair Beckham’s form was poor, but then so was the form of many of England’s other top talents, yet they remained part of the plan. Beckham could have helped develop some of the younger talent but he was tossed aside like last years kit.

For years players have been picked for England due to their name and reputation or for their commercial appeal. Some were picked and played out of position, others picked just to help them win appearance records, or because of their familiarity with their club team-mates. When really the player who has contributed most for their club in each position of the system that the England manager has selected should be the one who makes the team.

Maybe if McClaren and future England managers were to make the England team a meritocracy instead of a popularity contest among a club of old boys. It might better serve those who it matters to most… the England supporters!