LONDON: David Beckham’s role with England appears to be shifting towards mentor rather than chief tormentor after manager Fabio Capello heralded the arrival of new national hero Theo Walcott and suggested he is the future.
Arsenal winger Walcott, chosen ahead of Beckham on the right of midfield, scored a hat-trick in England’s remarkable 4-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Croatia last month that has transformed public opinion of Capello’s side.
Now as England prepare for games at home to Kazakhstan on Saturday and away to Belarus next Wednesday it is becoming increasingly clear the 19-year-old is likely to be first choice for the foreseeable future with Beckham restricted to a substitute’s role.
The LA Galaxy star has a habit of proving people wrong but any talk of Walcott returning to Under-21 action in future was quickly rebutted by Capello.
“I think when you find young players like this, good players, interesting players at the top level he has to play with the seniors. Age is not important, what’s important is the quality, the confidence,” said the Italian.
“It’s a stupid example but Maradona played when he was 16. Because he was ready. Theo is ready for sure.”
The pressure on Walcott to perform at Wembley next weekend will be immense but Capello clearly sees the Arsenal player as a long-term solution for England even if he is unable to reproduce his hat-trick heroics.
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