The former England captain Alan Shearer has told David Beckham, another former England captain, his international career is over.Shearer Has Posh Spice None Too Pleased
The former England captain Alan Shearer has told David Beckham, another former England captain, his international career is over.Sven-Goran Eriksson was always a fan of the ex-Manchester United winger, but Steve McClaren's first job as England manager was to tell Beckham he was no longer required.
But with the ex-Smoggy making a pig's ear of the job, there has been calls for him to bring back the glamour boy.
But with the ex-Smoggy making a pig's ear of the job, there has been calls for him to bring back the glamour boy.
Shearer: "I think Steve McClaren has made his decision and he will stick to it. I do not believe David Beckham will ever play for England again - that's it.
"Steve has decided he wants pace and power on the right side. That is why he has gone for Aaron Lennon or Steven Gerrard.
"That is his style and he is happy to have those players in that position rather than Beckham.
"Once he has made that decision I can't see him going back on it," he added.
"As an individual, I'm sure he thinks he can still do a job. The problem is only one man's decision counts right now and Steve McClaren does not think Beckham will improve the England team.
"He has hardly played any football [for Real] this season. Not only that but he is about to fly off to America to play in a league which is probably on a parallel with our second division, with respect.
"I don't know what his reasons are for going out there at his age. He still has some years left in him at a high level. I certainly believe he could do a job in the Premiership.
"The problem is he would not want to play for a side outside the top four - and the top four don't want him."
Shearer admits he has not been surprised at the criticism aimed at Steve McClaren.
Shearer: "Unfortunately when you go into that job you know that you are going to be criticised. The results have not gone as well as he would have liked and when that happens, it comes from all angles.
"I still believe England have the nucleus of a very good squad but it was disappointing last week, as we all know. The thing for me was the lack of creativity and lack of goalscoring opportunities that we created.
"But of course when you're missing a forward line-up of Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen, that's going to be a big dent in anyone's team."