Looks like Steve McClaren is about to be served his first slice of humble pie.
When he took the job a couple of months ago he was quick to stamp his authority on the team by dropping former captain David Beckham to make way for a younger generation of player.
This weekend Beckham told the media how unhappy and angry that decision had made him: “It surprised me. I was gutted. Playing for England meant everything to me.”
Apparently, during McClaren’s phone call to Beckham, the new boss told him: “I want to move forward but there will be casualties on the way and you are one of them.”
Not a particularly nice way to end the international career of a player who gave everything to the cause and often saved the team single-handedly.
But it looks like the decision not to treat Beckham with the respect he deserved might just be about to come back to haunt Sven’s replacement.
With crucial European qualifiers coming up, England are facing what can only be described as a bit of a midfield crisis. Aaron Lennon is out having had a knee operation, Joe Cole is still struggling with a knee injury, Frank Lampard is totally off-form and Owen Hargreaves has broken his foot.
Add to this the fact that Beckham has started the Spanish season in sparkling form, scoring a magnificent solo goal on Sunday, and there will now be a clamour for the former captain to be re-called.
Beckham himself has insisted he has not retired from international football and would always come running if his country called.
But how difficult will it be for McClaren to call the man he dumped and ask him to come to his aid? “Hi David. I know I treated you like dirt but I really need a right-sided midfielder. Any chance you might fancy a game?”
Luckily for him, Beckham is not the sort of lad to hold a grudge and he will certainly answer the call should it come.
The bookmakers too believe that a recall is on the cards and have drastically slashed the odds on Beckham playing for England again all the way down to 3 to 1.
Personally, as I have stated before, I would love to see Beckham add to his tally of 94 caps and, possibly, go on to reach the magic 100 mark.
But, more than that, I believe that the lad still has a lot to offer the international side. He has plenty of ability, bags of experience, a lot of passion and a wicked right foot.
Dismissing him in the first place was, in my opinion, an error. Recalling him would be the right thing to do, especially in view of the current injury crisis.
Now, let’s see if McClaren has the guts to do the right thing even though it will mean him eating that slice of humble pie.
I sincerely hope so.
Super Sunday
It had been billed as “Super Sunday” with the main four contenders for the title clashing in the space of a few hours. And, to be honest, it pretty much lived up to expectations.
The early kick-off saw Liverpool take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with the Champions coming out on top despite a spirited fight from the Merseysiders.
One goal, one sending off, one entertaining match.
But it was the next game which really through up a surprise with Arsenal coming away from Old Trafford with the win. And, more importantly, thoroughly deserving it too.
Arsene Wenger admitted afterwards that, if they had lost that game, it would have spelled the end of his side’s title aspirations.
That, I think, would have been a little premature with only four or five games gone. But you can see where he was coming from defeat would have left them 13 points adrift of Sir Alex’s team.
What really struck me as strange about this match was the way United looked to be more overawed by the occasion than their younger opponents. The swagger and confidence which they had displayed so far this season was only evident in flashes.
Still, all in all it was an enjoyable Sunday of football and luckily for us title neutrals, it didn’t show that any of the big four will be able to run away with the Premiership this season.
Maybe this season might actually go all the way to the wire. And that would make a refreshing change.
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