Capello: Beckham can still deliver

[TheGift]

Three free-kicks in his 45-minute appearance at Wembley gave Fabio Capello another reminder of what David Beckham can offer England in their bid to reach the World Cup in two years' time.

With chances against USA proving difficult to create, it was Beckham's right boot that provided the inspiration as it has so many times before.

Beckham turned 33 earlier this month and Capello's decision to leave him out of his first game in charge suggested he was considering if the midfielder was too old to contribute.

Pace has never been one his attributes like Aaron Lennon could offer on the right, but who else can deliver like the former Manchester United man?

Sir Bobby Charlton presented him with a golden cap to mark his 100th England appearance when Capello picked him against France - but this was not simply a celebration of Beckham's achievements. He then set about showing Capello what he can provide.

In the 11th minute he floated one of his set-pieces perfectly to the far post and Steven Gerrard clipped the ball in the net, only for referee Kyros Vassaras to rule out the strike for the free-kick being taken too quickly.

He then fizzed another free-kick, this time low and from the left, to Gerrard again but the visitors managed to block the effort and scramble clear.

They were two of the brighter moments in a dull start to the game, with the gaps in the crowd suggesting fans were also treating this game like an end-of-season nuisance.

It took Beckham's free-kick in the 38th minute to help break the deadlock - and it was a case of the former captain setting up the skipper on the night.

Back on the right again, he swung over the cross onto the head of John Terry and with the usual pace on the delivery, the Chelsea defender only had direct his header towards goal to help start the healing process after his penalty misery in Moscow.

Aside from Jermain Defoe's close-range miss, Beckham was at the heart of England's chances in a difficult first half against defensive-minded opponents.

Given his chance to impress against the country where he now earns a living, the LA Galaxy midfielder was given a breather at the interval.

And it was a case of two halves for the two DB's after the restart. Beckham's natural successor, David Bentley, was brought on and was jeered by home fans.

The spiky Blackburn midfielder is still remembered for refusing to play for the Under-21s a year ago on grounds of fatigue. Perhaps end-of-season tiredness accounted for this performance as he struggled to show the recent form which has had him linked with a move to Chelsea or Tottenham.

Within a minute he was at fault as the visitors won the ball back and set up a chance that Eddie Johnson fired wide.

That would have set up a tense second period but as it was Gareth Barry, another of the 18 substitutes Capello had to choose from, set up Gerrard to double the lead for the hosts.

It was then that Bentley showed glimpses of his crossing ability from the right flank but he clearly has a long way to go before being the number seven that crowds adore.

USA coach Bob Bradley thanked Beckham ahead of the game for putting the spotlight on "soccer" across the Atlantic, but the midfielder could still play a part on this side of the pond.

A gruelling qualifying campaign and a World Cup in South Africa may still be added to Beckham's CV.

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