Sven Goran 'I have my tounge up David Beckhams Arse' Eriksson

[Billy the Fish]

I think he's a fairly self-absorbed character who gets on with his own game rather than helping/encouraging/influencing others. The only time I've really seen him step in to a captains role was whan he was trying to calm Rooney down in that Northern Ireland game (and just got a mouthful in return). Other than that, I just don't see enough from him in terms of directing and helping those around him on the field, specially the younger players. Perhaps thats difficult as he can get isolated wide on the right.

He's a fine player, and I don't doubt his passion and pride at being England captain, but I don't believe he gives enough back to the team in his role as captain. Best in living memory ? So you'd put him above the likes of Bryan Robson and Terry Butcher ? Not for me.

Fair play he's not the most vocal player on the pitch but you don't have to be the captain to dish out bollockings and organise others in the team. There are enough senior players in the team who are in a better position on the picth to do that i.e John Terry, Gary Neville and Rio ferdinand. Being captain of a professional club or your country doesn't end when you walk off the pitch after 90 minutes, you have more media responsibilites than the other players and no one is more qualified than Beckham in that area. Also you've got to look at the way he took Rooney under his wing when he first went into the side, I wonder wether he's played that kind of role with other players. If that's not leadership then I don't know what is.

 

[Easy 10]

But then for the Albion one of our most succesful Captain's in recent seasons was Paul Rogers and he was not a shouter, but more lead by example and had the respect of those around him. Something it seems that Beckham has.

We also had Cullip and Oatway in the side at that time as welll, two more leaders in the side who wern't necessarily wearing the armband.

Beckham has the respect of the players, no doubt. And as a senior established member of the team who's played in four tournaments, he's certainly earned it. But personally I still think he's a little insular to be a great captain of the team. In fairness there arn't any outstanding candidates now other than John Terry, and as Beckham "outranks" him in terms of being a fixture in the team and in his overall International experience, its no real surprise he still has the captains armband for now.

 

[Uncle Buck]

We also had Cullip and Oatway in the side at that time as welll, two more leaders in the side who wern't necessarily wearing the armband.

Beckham has the respect of the players, no doubt. And as a senior established member of the team who's played in four tournaments, he's certainly earned it. But personally I still think he's a little insular to be a great captain of the team. In fairness there arn't any outstanding candidates now other than John Terry, and as Beckham "outranks" him in terms of being a fixture in the team and in his overall International experience, its no real surprise he still has the captains armband for now.

England have Terry, Neville and Gerrard, all of whom can be classed as leaders, so in a way a similar situation.

 

[Easy 10]

England have Terry, Neville and Gerrard, all of whom can be classed as leaders, so in a way a similar situation.

Certainly Gerrard I'd agree. Forgot about him. Neville has the credentials I guess, but he's a bit of an arsehole.

 

[Easy 10]

Being captain of a professional club or your country doesn't end when you walk off the pitch after 90 minutes, you have more media responsibilites than the other players and no one is more qualified than Beckham in that area.

I don't really care WHAT he does when he walks off the pitch. Media responsibilities and giving a good interview / playing the ambassador is very much secondary to his influence ON the field for me. I accept that what you say is certainly all part of being the England Captain, but its not the important part by any stretch.