[Dan from Michigan]

I didn't say you wouldn't take them this week, although Beckham left his team in the lurch when he was in such bad shape in the 2nd half that he begged off, abandoning his mates.

In America he would be crucified in the New York papers for 'lack of mental toughness.' England needed a win in the match to survive the 'Group of Deat' and Mr. Sporty Spice begged off..that kind of thing comes back to haunt a team

I imagine the English papers to be tough, ie the Sun especially.
In Detroit, he'd probably be driven out if it was the Red Wings(hockey). Keith Primeau got driven out for his 'lack of toughness' and inconsistant play (although whining too). Tim Cheveldae was booed out for not winning the big one. Chris Osgood for choking some big games.

I don't know how it is in England outside of a few newspapers, but Beckham seems to be about as big in England as Barry Sanders (who will be a Hall of Fame Lions runningback) was here, I can only imagine that there will be headlines like "England Chokes, Beckham hurt", etc.

[diotima]

[codebreaker]

Barry Sanders is much more athletically talented than Becks. (not a slam at soccer, just a fact)

[codebreaker]

In Philly he would be toast as well.