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Jimmy Greaves calls for David Beckham to be dropped
15.10.09
Legendary England striker Jimmy Greaves has called for Fabio Capello to axe David Beckham.
Greaves knows all about the pain of being left out, having famously been overlooked in favour of Sir Geoff Hurst for the 1966 World Cup final despite being the outstanding forward of his generation.
Beckham does not look set to suffer a similar fate just yet given the warm words Capello has offered about the 34-year-old, who if he makes it to South Africa would be appearing in his fourth World Cup finals.
However, the former Tottenham star does not believe Beckham is worthy of a place and thinks it is time for Capello to find an alternative.
"You have got to get rid of the old players because they can go on too long," he told www.wharf.co.uk.
"It doesn't matter how great a player they have been, there comes a time to call it a day, otherwise you'd still have Geoff Hurst and Bobby Charlton playing for England.
"Personally, I wouldn't pick Beckham any more. I would give some of the younger lads an opportunity to get experience instead."
Having worked with Sir Alf Ramsey on England's momentous charge to the final 43 years ago, Greaves knows exactly what is required to win the world's greatest prize.
And, while he has plenty of admiration for Fabio Capello, Greaves fears the usual excessive hype is being applied to a team that is only one out of eight he could make a case for in South Africa next summer.
"There is too much hype about England's chances," he said.
"We should have more realistic expectations.
"Most people don't know what the South Americans have up their sleeves, while there are at least six teams in Europe, including England, who have a chance. And I think Didier Drogba's mob, the Ivory Coast, could surprise a few people.
"If you stop and look and analyse the teams you can't possibly say England are favourites. There are one or two teams who can ruin the dream, like North and South Korea. You have to tread carefully because it is a bit of a minefield.
"But Fabio Capello seems to be doing a good job.
I don't know him but his demeanour seems similar to Alf Ramsey.
"He has the right idea about dealing with the players a bit more severely than Sven Goran Eriksson did. You can't mess about doing other things if you want to win the World Cup so he's got the right approach."
Reader views (7)
Beckham should be dropped. He is passed it and has to grow a beard (which is dyed) just to get any publicity.
- Sj, London
Sorry Jimbo I love yer but, your wrong here mate.
- Colin Stevens, USA
i suggest that england drop the old man, he plays for a pub team in america, all he does when he appears in that dreadful beard is to, wait.....asking, are the camera-s on me? then pose and wait again.
he lives in the past, why oh why select him when you have walcott there just waiting.
- Jaberwokie, Switzerland
i have the same opinion as Jimmy Greaves and peopple should thinking that Capello knows everything about football and at the sametime Capello should not think that only old player can bring world cap becouse from my own thinking he tend favour age against talent and hence the talented don't get exposure and comfidence at international level. Just for your imformation do not forget some pple' want publicity
- Johnson, leicester
Jimmy- don't be silly, 34 or 35 is not old - I am, being 16 when won 1966.
When he came the whole game changed- his balls into the area are just exquisite - he has more ability now than you ever had. He should play for 2 years then added to coaching team
Tony
- Tony Hunter, Sudborough Northants England
Get a life greavesie,you are just miffed because he has proved you wrong AGAIN !!! First you said he was only at Madrid to sell shirts, then it was a gimmick at Milan, now because he is doing the business in an england shirt AGAIN !! you are having another pop, why dont you ask the more serious question, like why can no one else (except Lampard and occasionally Barry)'grab the nettle' and perform in the England midfield as good as Beckham, Where does Steven Gerrard hide, when he pulls the England shirt on ???? why cant S.W.P. perform,Lennon,etc. Thank god for Fabio.
- Phil Harris, Telford.
Personally I dont think Jimmy Greaves knows what he is talking about. It can only be "sour Grapes after his experience in the 1966 world cup.
Beckham brings all his vast experience to every game he plays for England and it will be a sorry day when he has to finally bow out of the international arena.
- Gordon Westerdale, Spain
