This week’s Big Shout in the FIFA 10 podcast - hosted by myself and Romily Broad - concerned David Beckham, who has returned to LA Galaxy after a loan spell at AC Milan, but has hinted he would not rule out a return to the Premiership.
The reason for this is that he’s aware that he should be playing top-flight football if he’s going to be in contention for an England place.

There’s no denying Beckham’s commitment to England over the years, but do England really need him now? I think not.

Beckham is no longer a footballer. He’s a brand name and the move to La-La land proves this. If he were still a serious footballer who could do a job for England then he would be in the Premiership. But he finds himself in semi-retirement in a second-rate league amongst players that wouldn’t get in your local pub side.

Beckham in the past has been a colossus for England. His talismanic abilities have won games and inspired fans. Who can forget the free kick against Greece to earn us a place in the 2002 World Cup, or the penalty against Argentina?

But that is now history and England under Capello have to think about the future. England need to focus on the current crop of stars such as Rooney, Gerrard and Lampard and consign Beckham to the past.

He’ll be 35 by the time of the next World Cup and age, as you would expect, has taken its toll. His game has slowed down and his vision is not what it was. Romily suggested that it’s worth having him on the bench to come on in the latter stages of the game but I think there are far more influential players in the ranks that can work as effective subs. Peter Crouch always causes defenders problems and whatever shirt he wears he always grabs a goal. There’s also Theo Walcott whose electric pace threatens the opposition and ignites his fellow teammates.

We should remember Beckham for the faithful England servant he was and not pine for him to emulate past glories. His legend is intact; why spoil it with his withering status in world football? As John Lennon once sang, the dream is over - so wake up England and move on.

(He didn’t sing that last bit but you get the point).