McClaren: I was right to drop Beckham
McClaren says Beckham benefited from the shock of being out of the side
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Sunday, 10, Jun 2007 10:32
Steve McClaren says he was right to drop David Beckham from the England squad after last year's World Cup.
The England boss says the shock forced Beckham to bounce back and produce the performances he is currently putting in for club and country.
McClaren is pleased by the way the former captain reacted to his omission from the national setup and is delighted to have Beckham back in form again.
Speaking to the News of the World he said: "It doesn't matter whether you've got the greatest talent or the lowest talent, everybody responds to a shock.
"You come across adversity and it brings something out of you. David has reacted exactly the way I thought he would, exactly the way I said he would when I made the decision to leave him out."
Having been England captain for six years the Real Madrid midfielder had become comfortable in his role and needed something to galvanise him, McClaren explained.
He added: "Sometimes as a player, you don't see something coming and it takes a shock to make a difference.
The England boss says he would have brought Beckham back into the squad sooner but could not because he was out of the Madrid team at the start of the season and was then injured during the last round of international matches.
McClaren says he would not go back on his decision to drop Beckham when he first took over.
"His last performances have been excellent and he has brought a lot to the team, but I wouldn't change the decision I made in August. It was correct at the time," he added.
The England manager said he would not have a problem continuing to pick Beckham after his move to LA Galaxy this summer as long as his fitness levels do not drop.