I can’t leave without linking you to this article on Capello’s response to playing Beckham. It’s from the Mirror, but has been confirmed as true quotes from Capello. (Thanks to Diane for the find.) He makes an interesting point: that playing David is a tactical decision, and sometimes he will be tactically suitable to start against a team, sometimes he will sub on or even not play. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing when playing Beckham. And I know that Beckham is happy to be of use to England in pretty much any capacity.

So have we become used to the Beckham bend already? Is it nothing special that he dips and bends it, as in the first goal, like none other in this league? I know where he’s striking the ball. I know what kind of spin he’s putting on it. I actually like to spend my precious kid-free time analyzing his technique — it’s fun! But the day we find not-much-of-note in his scoring ability is the day I make the WNT because I bent one over a wall of other 30-somethings two years ago. C’mon people, love him or hate him, let’s be honest about his performance.