In an Ideal World...
This article is largely a mash-up of things we've seen over the past few days, but for the benefit of those who haven't read other news: here's a piece on CNN about the decision to leave Becks out of the squad for the friendly, and his determination to bounce back from this.

Quotes of interest:

"I won't get bitter and twisted because I am old enough and I have got enough respect for the manager to realize that if it does not happen, life goes on.” (Beckham just before the announcement)

"In an ideal world, there's a logic to David Beckham having 100 caps but first and foremost it's the coach's decision and I respect that." (Brian Barwick of the FA)


Fergie's Two Pence... Again
On Friday, Sir Alex Ferguson admitted to the press that the decision to leave David out of the squad was not surprising. Presumably he still supports Becks's 100^th cap at earliest opportunity, as he spoke out in support of David's century prior to Capello's decision (in fact, his words were “To deny David his 100th cap would not be right”). Yesterday he said:

"I am not surprised," Ferguson told reporters. "I think Fabio is correct in what he said that he is not match fit. That is the reason he's not picked. I think that's straightforward."

Read the article at Rediff here.


EPL Managers Rally Behind Becks
Other EPL managers have spoken out in support of David in the wake of the news. Franco reported Arsene Wenger's comments. Now Martin O'Neill, Steve Bruce, Kevin Keegan, and Harry Redknapp have added their voices.

O'Neill (Aston Villa) said:
"I'm sure the chance will come around again. I take on board Mr Capello's view that he has not played for a considerable time and I know that the idea of just earning caps for the sake of it is not in Capello's nature.
"Having said that, if there is anybody in the last decade who deserves 100 caps for England then it is David."

Redknapp (Portsmouth):
"I thought this friendly (against Switzerland on 6 February) would have been a great chance for David to get his 100th cap. He deserves it."

Steve Bruce (Wigan):
"I've known the lad since he was boy and I'm sure David won't give up the ghost and will still be determined to get that 100th cap.
"I'm sure many people will feel the way he's led the country and been a good ambassador and what he's brought to English football means he deserves it."

Read the full article -- plus some negative comments from ex-England captain Terry Butcher -- here.

And in a separate article Kevin Keegan (Newcastle) said:
"Who knows? Football is such a strange game, David Beckham could come back into the squad as he did last time and end up playing 130 times for his country."

That & more from Keegan here.


Richards Surprised and Disappointed
Manchester City defender Micah Richards has expressed his surprise and disappointment at Beckham's omission from the England team. Yet he remains hopeful and shares sentiments we should all take to heart:

"But, if he was fit, I think David would be in the squad - I don't see it that he has been dropped.
"He can still win that 100th cap and I am sure, once he is back playing regularly, he will."

More here.


£2,500 (and likely painful) Tribute to Posh
Details of David's newest tattoo have emerged. Apparently it includes a naked image of Victoria, and the stars we noted surround her. I was going to paste the article's description of the tattoo and Victoria's pose, but as it's somewhat adult in nature, I'll leave it to NZCity to report. (Read only if prepared for risqué content.) The tattoo cost £2,500 and was provided by David's personal tattoo artist Lou Malloy. A "source" says:

"David is thrilled with the results. He thinks of Victoria of his angel which is why he decided on the stars. Victoria is very flattered with this beautiful tribute."


Posted by Dina Ely, soccer editorial/commentary writer. Blog: Eleven Men