David Beckham Reaches the End of the Road

After seeing almost every qualified English midfielder ruled out of today's game against Germany, David Beckham must have thought that he would finally get a chance to don those English colors. 

After all, he has 107 English caps to his name, one short of equalling that famous Bobby Moore record of 108. And, with this being a friendly match, surely Fabio Capello would be kind enough to hand him such an honor.

Alas, it is a pity that Capello is running a football team and not a charity organization.

Beckham will not expect any favors from Capello today. With Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole and even young upstart Theo Walcott out, Beckham's mobile still did not reflect a call from the England coach. 

If this isn't a sign of a career in its twilight, I don't know what is.

Once considered an indispensable member of the England national team, Beckham's name has been a notable omission from England's list in recent times. And it doesn't help that Beckham has had an acrimonious relationship with the new England boss, Capello. 

Anybody who follows football will remember how Capello did not have a very favorable view of Beckham back in Real Madrid. After Beckham signed a blockbuster £128million ($250 million) five-year deal with the LA Galaxy in January 2007, Capello announced that Beckham will never again play for Real Madrid.  

However, Beckham went on and played for Real Madrid again. In recent days, Capello did tell A.C. Milan that Beckham will make a "great acquisition."

Beckham has a great work rate and professionalism. Even Capello recognizes this. Hence, his omission from the squad today has no reason to do with Capello. If Beckham plays, England can be sure that he will give his 110 percent. 

So what is the cause? 

I suspect the most obvious reason will be the fact that Beckham is not getting any younger. At 33, he is no spring chicken. After watching the likes of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young shred Arsenal's defence to pieces, Capello has options after all and he doesn't need to rely on Beckham.

Besides, Capello has seen enough of him. Beckham's illustrious England career speaks volumes.

But to discuss this further will be to obfuscate the bigger picture that is—Beckham should hang up his boots.  

Beckham is fast becoming a liability for England. By prolonging the inevitable end, Beckham is merely using England for his personal satisfaction of seeing his name in the record books. So what if he is capped more times than former England captain Moore? 

The truth is in the last 10 or so matches leading to this record, Beckham has not been effectively contributing to the progress of this England squad. Worst still, by remaining in the side, he is actually denying a potential young upstart from breaking into the ranks of the England national squad. 

As 1966 World Cup winner Martin Peters said, "David Beckham has been great for the country and has been a great captain, but I think it is the time to maybe look elsewhere, to the future."

And nothing can be further from this truth.

Yes, Beckham has been great for England. That memorable free kick against Greece from 35 yards out to help England qualify for the World Cup is still replaying in the minds of many English fans. 

However, anymore second fiddle performances will erase whatever pleasant memories that we have about Beckham. And in its place it will be filled with a brooding and pathetic figure who would have been better off having a drink by the beach in the Bahamas watching a replay of all his past performances.

So Beckham, thanks for your contribution to England. You have already achieved legendary status.

Just do all England fans a favour, read this latest omission from the England squad as a sign that you are already a surplus to requirements and gracefully make your exit.

I am pretty sure that fans will love you more.