Pretend You're Like Beckham, Pearce Tells U21s

England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce has urged his players to emulate David Beckham


Stuart Pearce wants his Under-21 players to emulate David Beckham, describing the professionalism of England's most capped outfield player as a "shining example" to his squad, who face France at Nottingham Forest's City Ground tomorrow nightin their last friendly before June's European Championship in Sweden.

The England Under-21 manager said the midfielder was still in Fabio Capello's squad at age 33 because of the selflessness and determination he has displayed in the two years since he was dropped by then England manager, Steve McClaren.

"He's an example about what it's like to be at the top of your game, about what it's like to be out of the team and what it's like to roll your sleeves up and say, 'I'm going to do whatever it takes to fight to get back into that squad'," said Pearce.

"That is the example you have got to have – a totally unselfish attitude to say I'll be in the squad no matter what. If you want to use me brilliant, if not I'm fully focused."

Pearce was 37 in 2002 when he captained Manchester City to the Division One title in his final season and he thinks Beckham's high level of fitness can sustain him in the game for at least another four years. "He's more professional than I was and he has looked after himself, there's not an ounce of fat on him. I think you have got to admire him.

Pearce, whose team beat Norway 5-0 away on Friday thanks to goals from Fraizer Campbell, Tom Huddlestone, Adam Johnson and two from Matt Derbyshire added: "I hear some good things and some bad things about how many caps David has got, but there is only ever good coming out of that and he is a shining example to everyone in my young squad. If I ever want to use an example of a professional, David Beckham is there for me to use."

While Beckham will break records with each subsequent appearance after his 109th on Saturday, Michael Owen looks set to remain marooned on 89 caps for a little longer after being overlooked by Capello as cover for the injured Emile Heskey, a decision Pearce supports given the Newcastle striker's lack of football in the past two months.

"My view is the same as Fabio's, he hasn't played enough football," said Pearce, who doesn't believe the 29-year-old's international career is necessarily over. "The one thing that Fabio doesn't do is shut the door on anyone. It has been mentioned that certain individuals have had the door closed on them, but that is not the case.

"Anyone that is on form and fit and playing for their club will get an opportunity and he has certainly shown that with the Under-21s where he has put the likes of Gabi [Gabriel Agbonlahor], Milly [James Milner], Theo [Walcott] and Aaron [Lennon] into the senior squad."

© Guardian News & Media 2008
Published: 3/30/2009
 
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