David Beckham is playing too well to be heading toward Hollywood and should have never been dropped from the England squad in the first place, while Ronaldinho is out of shape and has lost his best-player-in-the-world status to compatriot Kaka — these were among the reactions to England’s 1-1 draw with Brazil at Wembley Stadium last Friday.
In the end, it was a friendly notable for both sides’ reticence in conceding a goal. England, as ever, looked disjointed in attacking from open play. Fittingly, every good England chance came from a Beckham set-piece, and it was his perfectly flighted ball to John Terry in the 68th minute that gave the Lions a lead they should have kept. Sloppy defending led to Brazil’s 90th-minute equalizer. Former England captain Alan Shearer said Beckham’s performance showed he belongs in the England squad “without a doubt” and that given his current form, the player might regret the move to MLS. “I wouldn’t worry about him taking part in the rest of the qualifiers, though,” Shearer added, though it might be difficult to consider him for Euro 2008 if Beckham doesn’t play between December and April.
Meanwhile, Brazil coach Dunga on Monday told Spanish radio on Monday that Kaka is now the world’s best player because Ronaldinho is unfit. “He has to train more,” Dunga said. “A Ronaldinho at peak fitness is impossible to stop as seen last year.” The Barcelona star has been criticized in the Spanish media for being overweight. Against England, both he and Kaka were almost completely anonymous.