Shilton, Beckham won’t break my record!

July 24, 2008

Peter Shilton has come out and told David Beckham that he doesn’t think he will beat his record of 125 England caps and he believes that Capellos side will fail in their quest to win the 2010 World Cup in South Africa if Beckham is in the side.

Shilton doesn’t believe the England midfielder, who has re-established himself in the side after being overlooked for a while, will be able to keep up and play in every game at the World Cup as by that time he will be 35.

There are host of young stars such as Ashley Young and David Bentley all vying for that right midfield spot but no one has impressed enough yet to replace the former England captain.

“I don’t think David will break my record but if he did I would certainly be the first to congratulate him,” said Shilton.

“For an outfield player to break it in the modern game would be fantastic, and I believe he has a role to play with England in the near future.

“But I have to say if we haven’t got anyone to take David’s place we will struggle to do anything at the next World Cup.

“We are going to play so many games in a few weeks and that gets tough when you are in your mid-thirties.

“David will have a role to play, but if people like Bentley can’t come through and push him then I think we have got a problem.”

Although Shilton believes that Beckham can’t play every game he still sees a role for him.

“We won’t be able to rely on David in the next World Cup but there is definitely a place for him as he is a great ambassador and is also such a great player technically, for example with his wonderful free-kicks.

“But you would hope to have players who say: ‘I want that position’, and we need those players to come through.

“They have to pressurise the likes of David and (goalkeeper) David James, especially as Beckham is now 32 and he has done very well for an outfield player.

“Like I say, it’s not a problem if he beats my record for international appearances. Good luck to him if he does it - but I really think it will be difficult for him.”

Shilton also went on to talk about the England captaincy throwing his weight behind John Terry

“I really like John Terry as a leader. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and if ever you need the ball cleared off the line or a goal scored when you need it then he’s your man.

“He is just a natural leader on the pitch and would definitely be my choice.”

Capello has experimented with Terry, Gerrard, Barry, Beckham and Ferdinand all taking the captains arm band but Shilton believe that Terry can be the new Terry Butcher or Barry Robson and be an influential figure in the team.

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