Saturday, September 16, 2006

Beckham reveals England heartache

From BBC.com

David Beckham says he has a "burning desire" to prove new England coach Steve McClaren wrong after being dropped from the national team.

"I know people said I should have seen it coming, but it was a total shock," said the former England captain, 31.

"It's a terrible feeling not playing for England after 10 years, but I'm not bitter - more disappointed and hurt."

Beckham told the Daily Mirror: "He has made a decision, but I've got a burning desire to prove him wrong."

The Real Madrid star revealed McClaren had told him "you are one of the casualties" when he took over from Sven-Goran Eriksson following England's disappointing World Cup campaign in Germany.

He added: "It's hard to take when the reasoning behind it was to move on but, I still believe I have got two or three more good years left in me.

"I thought I could move on with the team and not get left behind.

"I heard there were some reports that I had begged and pleaded with him not to do it.

"Well, obviously I was upset but nothing like that happened. I was upset but I am a man and I would never crawl to someone to pick me for the team."

Beckham, capped 94 times by England, said he would always "be available" to play for his country.

"I didn't announce my international retirement because I want to play for England again," he said.

"I still want to reach that milestone of playing for England 100 times and help them win the European Championship.

"It's a target I set myself a long time ago and I won't give up now."

Beckham added: "I want to fight my way back in. Steve McClaren says the door is still open. I'm not so sure.

"I'd love to say I'll play for England again in the future. I'd love to say I'll reach 100 caps and go beyond that, but I wouldn't tell anyone to bet on it."

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