[...] As Barry, from afunnyoldgame.com, notes McLaren was saved the task of creating another reason for not bringing David Beckham into the side. Beckham’s injury came at such an unfortunate time as he was hitting a rich vein of form leading to support from both former and current England Internationals. Owen Hargreaves, the lynch-pin of England’s midfield, said, “I said some time ago that anyone writing him off was a fool.” (could that be a jab at the ol’ gaffer himself?) Hargreaves went further to say, “He has the ability to make a pass that can decide a game, and I’d rather have him alongside me than some little dribbler who’s going to lose the ball.” (a jab at Aaron Lennon, surely) Add to this, thhat McClaren himself proclaimed the need for his experienced players to “stand up and be counted.” When Beckham regains his fitness there is no denying he deserves a spot in the squad. For all his foibles, he still remains among the best in the world at measuring a pass and taking a free kick. His lack of pace is not a major issue, given he never had much to begin with. Becks is a player who forged his reputation through sublime technique and an unmatched work ethic, and both of these traits remain. Finally, he brings boat loads of experience and leadership, let’s not forget he led this team out of the tunnel on fifty-eight occasions. Leadership and experience, which even the manager will aver, are two things this English team is lacking. [...]