Columnist Patrick Barclay isn’t surprised England coach Fabio Capello — known for his steely pragmatism — wouldindulge David Beckham and let him join the England national team in South Africa as a coach.
Barclay says the move is the latest example of howCapello has stuck by the “cap-conscious golden boy” whom he helped make the world record holder “for international appearances of five minutes or less.”
Beckham will be a distraction tothe England team at the World Cup, “adding to the pressure of an occasion rather than relieving it.” Just what will be Beckham’s role remains to be seen. He’ll also be working on England’s bid to hostthe 2018 World Cup, flattering FIFA executives with his presence.