Why Does Capello keep on picking Beckham?

There has been much debate on newspapers and talk shows about why David Beckham continues to be picked for the English National Team. While Michael Owen has been getting overlooked for a spot. Fabio Capello’s rationale of why Owen cannot make the team is that he is on a Newcastle team that is struggling in the English Premier League. I cannot defend that because David Beckham is on the worst team in the MLS, a third tier league among the leagues in the World. I believe I have an idea why Capello continues to pick Beckham in his national team and it falls closely in line with their days at Real Madrid.

I remember when David Beckham signed his 5 year/$250 million MLS contract in the winter of 2007 while he was on the Real Madrid side managed by Fabio Capello. When this happened, Capello shunned Beckham and told him that he would never play for his Real Madrid side again. At that time, Beckham became a practice player for Real Madrid. Madrid began to struggle during this period and it looked like Capello wasn’t doing a good enough job as coach and it would be another trophyless season for Los Merengues. Then around springtime, Fabio Capello saw that David Beckham was improving his play among the reserves. Beckham could have easily taken his foot off the pedal and coasted along, but Don Fabio and Beckham's teammates saw the improvements that Beckham was making and Capello decided to let Beckham back in the first team side. After his return, Real made a run all the way to the Primera Liga title and Beckham was an instrumental part of the side winning their first trophy since 03.

I do think that Fabio sees Beckham as an important part of his England side, and I think he does owe Beckham for his services when they both were in Real. Do I think it is right? No, but I do think it is an logical reason while the ageing icon is still in the side. However Fabio is not a stupid man, he is not going to pick Beckham unless he is playing first-team football in Europe during the MLS break. That is why Becks is desperate to go back to Europe. The fact that the LA Galaxy continues to be the worst team in the MLS also helps Beckham's decision to possibly return to Europe.

He's Baaaaack

King Kev is at it again. For the third time in his career, Kevin Keegan looks set to take over Newcastle United. With a South African consortium in with a bid to buy Newcastle as well as a Nigerian conglomerate with an eye to do the same, Keegan has stated his intention to return as caretaker of the floundering Toon. Both African bidders have shown their support for a KK rally, and the grey-haired gaffer may be on his way back to Tyneside.

Newcastle has been in a distinct freefall since Keegan's departure, with such highly-rated signings as Fabricio Coloccini and Xisco left wondering what exactly they got themselves into. At a lowly 19th position in the Premier League table (right about suicidal Tottenham), Newcastle has no choice but to right the quickly sinking ship before the crew and passengers decide to swim away. Newcastle supporters have been overwhelmingly vocal concerning their beloved Black and Whites, and change must come about for them to be even remotely satisfied.

In addition, the stars currently residing at St. James' Park will not stand for any more upheaval, and will slowly file out of northern Engerland as quickly as you can say Owen, Owen and away! The return of Keegan may indeed temporarily stop the bleeding for Newcastle, but it may not fix the wound. As Keegan said when he left in 1997: "It was my decision and my decision alone to resign. I feel I have taken the club as far as I can, and that it would be in the best interests of all concerned if I resigned now."

Keegan may be able to resurrect the club, but where can he take it? In the 2007/08 season, Newcastle had another miserable start, but he was able to guide them to 12th position by season's end. Can he do the same again? I believe with assurances from his new board of full player and managerial control, King Kev will be able to at least get Newcastle out of the relegation wasteland and then steer his ship in the right direction for the future.