David Beckham given England coaching job

David Beckham
England legend set to join Fabio Capello’s coaching set-up for World Cup
By Jonathan Harwood
LAST UPDATED 9:37 AM, MAY 14, 2010
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David Beckham's playing days may be numbered, but the football legend is set to forge a new career as a coach after he was offered a role with Fabio Capello's England squad at the World Cup this summer.

The former England captain had hoped to play in the tournament but his dreams were dashed when he snapped his Achilles tendon while playing for AC Milan in March.

Now the famous footballer on the planet has been given the chance to join the fun in South Africa, as a full-time member of the England coaching set-up.

Critics are likely to dismiss the appointment as a publicity stunt given Beckham's complete lack of experience. However, Becks knows Capello's methods well, having played under him for Real Madrid and England. He could also act as a useful conduit between Capello's somewhat aloof management team and the team members.

What's more Beckham, who is 35, could use the opportunity to brush up on his media skills. Although his oratorial style is often mocked, he has a shrewd understanding of the game and, as one of only two English coaches in the set-up along with Stuart Pearce, he is likely to spend a fair amount of time in front of the cameras.

All in all, it would seem to be a perfect opportunity for Beckham to broaden his horizons as his career as a player winds down and to keep the famed 'Brand Beckham' in the public eye as a new generation of footballers try to dethrone him.

Beckham has won 115 caps for England - a record for an outfield player - but he is unlikely to win any more, particularly if the squad perform well without him this summer. Once his playing days are over his cachet off the field is likely to diminish unless he forges a new career.

Anyone who writes off his chances of making it as a coach would do well to look at his wife Victoria. Few would have predicted that she would be capable of metamorphosising from naff pop singer to global fashion icon and respected designer.

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