David Beckham was honored by the Football Writers Association at a special dinner this weekend, which paid tribute to his achievements in soccer. Sven-Göran Eriksson, former England manager, gave a speech in support of David’s return to the England squad for his 100th cap under new manager Fabio Capello.

Though Beckham and the media have had at best a love-hate relationship over the span of his career, there is no doubting that he has provided countless headlines for football writers to seize. The evening was a “thank you” to Beckham from the press not only in the form of a meal and award, but in the form of a platform for positive opinions about his continued value to the English national team.

Despite age and injury, Beckham remains adamant that he will do everything within his power to remain fit and ready for England in the 2010 World Cup. He, and all his supporters, are hoping for his 100th cap during the England vs. Switzerland friendly this February. The fate of his century is in Fabio Capello’s hands, but the Beckham camp is doing everything it can to assure Capello that the star midfielder is still starting eleven material.

And if Beckham’s tenaciousness and dogged determination to play (occasionally at all costs), and his continued accurate service and set plays are any indication, he’ll be an asset. Critics insist that MLS will soften him and the prolonged break in the season has affected his fitness. He’s countering these claims by training with Arsenal, currently the top team in the EPL. Capello is well aware of Beckham’s skills, as he was manager of Real Madrid during the player’s tumultuous tenure there.

Despite the ups and downs of Beckham’s experience in Madrid, he has said he greatly respects Capello and looks forward to working with him. “He has been passionate about every team he has managed. His knowledge of football is one of the best - and he has the experience,” Beckham told Sky Sports. He and Capello are set to meet later this week at Arsenal to discuss the possibility of not only including him in the Switzerland match, but renaming him as England captain.

At the tribute dinner, confidence in Beckham’s ability to lead England to victory was clear. Eriksson said he would personally call Capello to discuss the matter if Beckham is omitted from the side. In an address to the gathering Beckham expressed his feelings and desires: “I have played 99 times so far. We’ll see. What I always want to be remembered for is that I have given my best in every game whether that’s for Manchester United, Preston North End, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy or England. Playing for my country has been the biggest honor of my career.”

Source:
Times Online
Daily Mail
ESPN

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