Beckham dreaming of world return
After starring and scoring for England at France 1998, Korea/Japan 2002 and Germany 2006, David Beckham has told FIFA.com that he is relishing the prospect of appearing in his fourth FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa in June and July.
The 34-year-old midfielder’s chances of being in the Three Lions’ 23-man squad were recently discussed by Fabio Capello, who said: "Of course he will be included, if he plays and is well physically,” he said. “I don't look at ages. I look at skill and Beckham has a lot. He's serious, a real professional and he's really dedicated to making the World Cup squad."
In FIFA.com’s first Interview of the Week of what promises to be a special year, one of world football’s highest-profile players speaks about the highs and lows he has experienced at FIFA World Cups, his thoughts on current FIFA World Player of the Year Lionel Messi and his hopes for A
You can watch a video of the interview by clicking on the link on the right hand side.
FIFA.com: David, you recently helped to launch adidas’s Jabulani, the Official Match Ball for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in Cape Town. Have you had a chance to practice with it yet – and what do you think of it?
David Beckham: Yes, I had a chance to practise with it a few months ago. It’s always nice to see adidas’s ideas before everyone else does and I think it’s great. The movement, the accuracy, the feel, the look of the ball is perfect – it’s really for the World Cup.
With 115 caps for England over the past 13 years – what changes have you noticed in international football during that time?
There have been many changes over the years: the game has got faster, the technology has got better. You obviously see changes in the play in terms of tactics, the boots and balls, but football’s all about development and change.
What does playing in the FIFA World Cup mean to you?
It’s the biggest footballing competition in the world, so any player who is lucky enough to be part of a World Cup knows how special it really is. I’ve been lucky to have played in three and hopefully I’ll be luckier still to play in a fourth. It really is an incredible feeling.
What are your first recollections of watching the FIFA World Cup as a boy?
My first memories are of watching Bryan Robson score goals [against France at Spain 1982] and be as brave as he was on the pitch. He was my hero and everything he did in his career, I wanted to emulate – and I’ve been lucky enough to do that.
The World Cup also been a tournament which has given you some lows. If you take a moment to consider England’s exits to Argentina in 1998, Brazil in 2002 and Portugal four years ago, which one hurt the most?
Every one. You can’t describe the feeling when you get knocked out of a competition. The expectations are so high on us as a country and as a team, so when you do get knocked out it’s so disappointing. So, every single time hurts the same.
You’ve played and scored in three FIFA World Cup finals so far, but which match holds the best memories for you? On a personal note I’d have to say the game against Argentina in 2002, where I scored the penalty. It’s always special to beat your rivals, but obviously four years earlier I got sent off against them and we were beaten on penalties. To score the winning goal against them four years later was extremely special.
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