What Becks did next...

Shame about the draw against Wales but bounce back with a good couple of wins mate!

England's under-21 side have been drawn to Russia in the play-off round of Euro 2013 qualifying.
David Beckham's boys will host the Russians at Hull City's KC Stadium in the first leg which is to be played on Friday 12th of October before heading to the Russian city of Khimki for the second leg four days later to try and book their ticket to Israel next year.

The rest of the draw is as followed;

David Beckham has come under fire regarding his latest England squad.
Beckham's England will take on Russia in the first leg of their Euro 2013 play-off next week, His squad however features only four Premier League players. They are joined by no fewer than fourteen Championship, four League One stars as well as Josh Morris of SPL side Dundee United.
Critics say the the squad reads like a who's who of Championship football and that with so many players without experience in England's top division they may struggle to cope with Russia.

Beckham however has always made clear his mantra of of rewarding any player in form for their club side at any level with a call up.
Stevenage forward Luke Freeman is the biggest suprise in the squad, The former Arsenal man has found the net eight times so far in League One and could be rewarded with his first under-21 cap next week, as could Barnsley midfielder Jacob Mellis, Sheffield United defender Harry Maguire and Dundee United winger Josh Morris.
Returning to the young lions are Wilfred Zaha who has not yet featured under Beckham and Hartlepool's Luke James who is also in excellent form in front of goal in league One, Just a single strike behind Freeman on seven.


Goalkeepers: Alex Smithies (Huddersfield) Jason Steel (Middlesbrough) Gary Woods (Doncaster)

Defenders Ryan Bennett (Norwich) Steven Caulker (Tottenham) Craig Dawson(c) (West Brom) Adam Henley (Blackburn) Martin Kelly (Liverpool) Harry Maguire (Sheff Utd) Joe Mattock (Sheff Wed) Kieran Trippier (Burnley)

Midfielders: Will Hughes (Derby) Thomas Ince (Blackpool) Ben Marshall (Leicester) Jacob Mellis (Barnsley) Josh Morris (Dundee Utd) Jordan Mutch (Cardiff) Nathan Redmond (Birmingham) Korey Smith (Charlton)

Forwards: Jay Emmanuel-Thomas (Ipswich) Luke Freeman (Stevenage) Luke James (Hartlepool) Wilfred Zaha (Crystal Palace)

England but themselves firmly in the driving seat ahead of the return leg of this Euro2013 qualifying tie.
David Beckham's men faced little in the way of attacking intent from their Eastern European visitors who seemed happy just to keep the score down and live to fight on next week in Moscow as England stroked the ball around with ease.

The first half saw plenty of chances for the Three Lions, Debutante Jacob Mellis had a couple of efforts well saved by Russian goalkeeper Vyechaslav Anischencko, Nathan Redmond was denied by the woodwork and Wilfred Zaha went close several times.
The deadlock was eventually broken in the 58th minute when Harlepool striker Luke James was played clean through on goal by a wonderful Zaha through ball, James made no mistake in clipping the ball over the on rushing Anischencko for his first U21 goal.
England's second arrived just two minutes from time when James was brought down on the edge of the Russian penalty area, Jacob Mellis's free kick came streight back to him off of the wall, However the quick thinking Barnsley star spotted Thomas Ince unmarked on the other side of the box who caught hold of the resulting cross beautifully to smash home a wonderful half volley and leave Russia with a mountain to climb in Moscow.


England XI:

England have secured their place at the European under-21 championship in Israel next year thanks to a professional performance in Khmiki as they followed up on their 2-0 first leg victory last Friday.
Manager David Beckham made three changes to the team that triumphed in Hull with Martin Kelly coming in at right back to replace Burnley's Keiran Trippier who limped off after 15 minutes on Friday, Ben Marshall got the nod instead of Nathan Redmond on the right flank and finally Jay Emmanuel-Thomas partnered Luke James up front in for Wilfred Zaha.

Russia gave a better showing of their talents than at the KC Stadium last week, However England still looked comfortable and very much in control of the game as they wore down the Russians, looking to kill off the tie and start thinking about Israel next year.
In a game of few clear chances it took until the 87th minute for the deadlock to finally waiver, Harlepool United's young prodigy Luke James sweeping home Will Hughes's corner to score his second goal of the tie after opening the scoring on Friday.

The Young Lions can now begin wondering whom their group in Israel will consist off, Before then however they must turn their attention to Birmingham for a friendly with Australia at Villa Park next month, An ideal opportunity for certain players to prove to David Beckham they deserve to be in his squad next summer.


England XI:

Brilliant results over Russia matey!

DAVID BECKHAM

So David, You've been in your post as under-21 slave driver for almost a year now, How do you feel it's going?
I'm delighted with how it's gone so far, We're still unbeaten and have been playing some good football.

You've become well known for your selection of lower league players in your squads, Do you really feel they can win Euro2013 without playing at the top club level?
I have said time and again that I will pick form over price tag every time, I would much rather have lads who are at the top of their games in the Championship, or League one or two than reserves and unused substitutes from the Premiership who lack match practice. If you look at the twelve goals we've scored in the seven games since I too charge, nine of those goals have come from players outside the Premiership so it's not as if they can't get the job done.

You decided to leave LA Galaxy at the end of last year, After your announcement the rumor mill went into overdrive, In January you met with officials at Lazio, How close were you to joining them?
I flew to Rome and took a look around the club with their chairman Claudio Lotitio and was very impressed by their facilities, However I couldn't help but feel it was to soon for me to get involved with a side as big as Lazio, I wanted to step into management but at a level where I could develop my skills without so much pressure, When the FA approached me with the under-21 position I just knew that it was the right direction for me.

Do you intend to get into club management after Euro2013?
I am interested, However I don't want to put a time frame on it, depending on what happens in Israel next year I may well stay on after the tournament.

Upon leaving Galaxy you were looking for a new club in a playing capacity but then changed your mind and went into management, what sparked this change of heart?
Well I was interested in finding a player/coach or player/manager role somewhere but when I decided to go for the England job my age obviously meant I could no longer play. The ease in which I was able to accept that made me realize that the fire had gone out on my playing days and it was time to move on.

You've already said that you are interested in going into club management eventually, But as England's under-21 coach surely you must have one eye on Roy Hodgson's job as first team coach?
Some of the greatest memories I have are of leading out England, I would love to do that again as manager one day but as I said earlier I deliberately avoided any high pressure jobs this early in my managerial career, with the England job being just about the highest pressure job I can think of I think ideally I would want to get some experience at the highest club level before I would take that job, However if the FA came knocking before them I would find it difficult to say no.

Ok, back to the present; Do you believe your youngsters can go all the way in Euro2013 next June?
Yes, We've shown our quality in the qualifying campaign and I'm convinced we have enough about us to beat any of the other sides at the tournament if we are at our best.

Rick this is a brilliant report with Beckham, very well written!

David Beckham's latest England selection seems to indicate that the under-21 coach is set to experiment against Australia at Villa Park next week with no fewer than ten new faces named in his 23 man squad.
Manchester United midfielder Nick Powell has been called up after he his impressive spell on loan with Norwegian side Molde, his fellow Old Trafford team mate Michael Keane who is currently loaned to Rangers is also among the ranks.

It is worth noting that all four of the strikers included in Beckham's squad are currently playing in League One.

*Denotes player is a first time inclusion.

Goalkeepers: Jak Alnwick* (Newcastle) Jack Butland (Birmingham) Jason Steel (Middlesbrough)

Defenders Craig Dawson(c) (West Brom) John Flannagan (Liverpool) James Husband* (Doncaster) Michael Keane* (Rangers) Jamaal Lacelles* (Notts Forest) Harry Maguire (Sheff Utd) Jack Robinson (Liverpool) Chris Solly* (Charlton)

Midfielders: Will Hughes (Derby) Thomas Ince (Blackpool) Daniel Johnson* (Aston Villa) Ben Marshall (Leicester) Jordan Mutch (Cardiff) Nick Powell* (Molde) Nathan Redmond (Birmingham) James Ward-Prowse* (Southampton)

Forwards: Callum Ball* (Coventry) George Bowerman* (Walsall) Luke Freeman (Stevenage) Luke James (Hartlepool)

England recorded a victory at Villa Park this evening bit the narrow 1-0 scoreline didn't do justice to the home side's dominance in this game.
The Socceroo's were not afforded even a single chance on goal as England played a game of keep ball around them, Such was David Beckham's sides dominance that they recorded over 70% of the possession.

The only goal of the game came on the half hour mark when Luke James was allowed to take a touch inside the Australian penalty area, The Hartlepool man punished the visitors for their slack marking as he turned and drilled the ball past Alex Baird between the posts. This was James's third England goal in as many games, A fact which may have larger clubs take notice.

Beckham opted to bring on a totally different team for the second half as he tries to decide on his shortlist for England's Euro 2013 squad which he must pick next summer. Today was certainly not the final chance for potential candidates however as England face no fewer than six freindlys between now and the start of the tournament.




England First Half XI:


England Second Half XI:

Reports that Liverpool have approached England under-21 coach David Beckham appear to have been confirmed by reliable sources.
Chairman Thomas Werner is believed to be willing to offer 37 year a transfer kitty of up to £30M should he agree to take over the reigns at Anfield following last weeks sacking of Brendon Rodgers.

The Reds are languishing in mid-table, already 25 points behind arch rivals Manchester United who lead the title race and well off the pace if they wish to qualify for Europe this season. Beckham has been quoted on several occasions that he would like to get involved with club management one day although he wishes to concentrate on his young England side until after the U21 championships next summer. Werner will however be hoping to convince Beckham to rethink his position or even take both jobs until after the tournament.

It remains unclear how the Kop faithful would welcome a Manchester United icon if he were to take the job.

Great form mate, Liverpool really isn't for beckham though

David Beckham is used to being in the limelight but demand for his attention is even hotter than usual at the moment with an offer already on the table from Liverpool and two more Premier League sides weighing up offers for the England youth coach.

Liverpool's Merseyside rivals Everton are said to be keen on the 37 year old should they indeed sack David Moyes who's position at the club looks precarious having only managed to guide the Toffies to six wins in 22 league games and enduring a humiliating early exit from the Capital One cup to Millwall.
Aston Villa have also entered the fray following Paul Lambert's sacking, Villa find themselves hovering dangerously above the relegation zone, American Owner Randy Lerner clearly believes that Beckham who is unbeaten after eight games in charge of the England under-21's is the man to get the best out of his own young side.

It is possible that Beckham will reject all comers for the time being as he is keen to concentrate on the European under-21 championships next June but whatever he decides it appears Mr. Beckham won't find seeking employment too difficult when he does eventually decide to move into club management.

This is a briliant story mate
I think it would be better to start with a small team for him.

Thank you mate, keep reading! Yes I think the same, I picture him starting out with a smaller London club such as Crystal Palace or Charlton, maybe even Leyton Orient as he grew up around there.

Nice to see the interest flooding in for the manager now, tough choice to make!

David Beckham has today committed his immediate future to managing his England under-21 side through the upcoming European under-21 Championship this summer.
The 37 year old's announcement comes on the day his youngsters were drawn with Italy, Austria and rivals Scotland in group B for the tournament in June.

Beckham has given no clear indications as to whether he will be staying on with England after the competition in Israel, However with recent offers from Liverpool and Aston Villa and an apparent host of other clubs interested in hiring the former England skipper it seems only a matter of time before Beckham takes the plunge into the turbulent world of club management.

Before then however he must think in the shorter term, In a fortnight's time he must name a squad to take on the 12,000 mile round trip to Japan for a friendly before the Young Lions head to the Middle-East in March to face Israel in an attempt to aclimertise themselves with the country ahead of Euro2013, They then venture into war torn Afghanistan for a special game in front of the British troops stationed in the country.

I'm absolutely loving this story, top class.

David Beckham has announced his 23 man squad which travels to Japan next week ahead of the game in the Kasumigaoka stadium.
Seven of the 23 are uncapped for the under-21's and will be hoping to impress Beckham as they aim for a place in his Euro 2013 squad this summer, The new boys include Gary Madine who has scored ten times for his club Sheffield Wednesday so far this season, Ipswich midfielder Luke Hyam is also in line for his debut after his impressive form earned him the Championship player of the month award.
Beckham's squad again features only four Premier League stars with ten Championship, seven League One and two SPL players making up the ranks.


Goalkeepers: Alex Smithies (Huddersfield) Jason Steel (Middlesbrough) Gary Woods* (Doncaster)

Defenders: Steven Caulker (Tottenham) Cyrus Christie* (Coventry) John Flanagan (Liverpool) James Husband (Doncaster) Shaun Hutchinson* (Motherwell) Harry Maguire (Sheff Utd) Joe Mattock (Sheff Wed) Josh Meekings* (Inverness CT)

Midfielders: Gary Gardner (Aston Villa) Luke Hyam* (Ipswich) Thomas Ince (Blackpool) Josh Morris* (Blackburn) Jordan Mutch (Cardiff) Nathan Redmond (Birmingham) Korey Smith (Charlton) Raheem Stirling (Liverpool)

Forwards: Callum Ball (Coventry) Luke Freeman (Stevenage) Luke James (Hartlepool) Gary Madine* (Sheff Wed)

* denotes player is uncapped

A dominant performance at the Kausumigoka stadium did the several players who pulled on the England jersey for the first time chances of being selected for manager David Beckham's squad for the upcoming European Championships no harm at all.
As in previous games, Beckham's men played some good football, keeping hold of the ball expertly and crafting some excellent chances on goal, Even the heavy 4-0 scoreline doesn't truly reflect the Three Lions's dominance in this fixture which could easily have been several goals greater.

Blackburn winger Josh Morris opened his England account in the 17th minute to get the ball rolling, The 21 year old is currently on loan at Dundee United where he has been impressing and is a key reason behind Dundee punching above their weight in third place in the SPL. Morris curled home a beautifully placed free kick from the edge of the Japanese area to announce his arrival on the International stage.
England's second goal took just two minutes in coming, Raheem Stirling's initial effort from 20 yards was parried by goalkeeper Oskar Morimoto, however he could only push it into the path of the Gary Madine who was lurking inside the six yard box with intent, The Sheffield Wednesday forward didn't need asking twice to stab the ball into the net as he too celebrated a debut goal.

Goal number three came on the half hour mark as England countered a half hearted Japanese attack with aplomb, Josh Morris sprinting away down the left flank at pace crossed in a teasing cross which Hartlepool forward Luke James used his head to flash an unstoppable header into the top corner of Morimoto's net for this forth goal in as many U21 games, Still aged just 18 and with twelve League One goals to his name so far this season, he is surely now on the radar of bigger clubs.

Half time brought the now obligatory complete change in team by Beckham, However far from disjointing matters it took just 50 seconds after the re-start for England to be celebrating again. Nathan Redmond's corner to the far post was headed back across the six yard box by Luke Hyam for Coventry forward Callum Ball to tap in from a yard out.
Ball's goal completed the scoring for England who could well have scored more but for backs to the wall defending from the home side, desperate to avoid further humiliation.

Next month Beckham takes his men to Israel, The squad he picks for that game could well be the one he intends to select for Euro 2013 in order to give the players a feel for the country ahead of Euro2013.



England First Half XI:


England Second Half XI:

Tough group but one I'm sure you will advance from mate! Awesome result against Japan, nice to see Sterling brought into your under 21 sqaud!

Yeah it is a tough group but that is t be expected as there are only eight teams, The top two from each qualify for the semis. We've already beaten Scotland and I'm fairly confident about Austria so I think the Italians and ourselves will advance.

Sterling has been in my team before, although not since the 4-1 win over the Faroe Islands, Unfortunately until recently he hasn't been playing regularly for Liverpool so it wouldn't be fair to have selected him over those who are playing week in, week out for other clubs, However their new manager (Brian McDermott) has had a bit of a clear out and Sterlings now a regular.

I've noticed they swap managers lots! On my current save Rodgers was gone in the first season and Benitez took the helm, and originally before my game wouldn't load he was sacked, but as I laoded the back up he went on to lift the europa league for them!

Nice to see you staying at the U21 till the championship. After that I would aim at a Cahmpionship squad with promotion/play-off potential.

David Beckham appears to have made up his mind regarding what his strongest England under-21 side is as his side gears up for games with Israel and Afghanistan.
Beckham's squad to face Israel next week features just one new addition, Birmingham midfielder Ravel Morrison who is on loan from West Ham. The managers former squad sections have been peppered with debutantes leading to speculation that most of the 23 selected today will form England's Euro2013 squad as the Young Lions return to Israel in the summer for the tournament.

Chesea's young goalkeeper Jamal Blackburn did recieve his first call up but was promptly injured in training, giving Jack Butland an ppertunity to return to the squad.
Captain Craig Dawson is recalled after missing last months trip to Japan through injury as are Ipswich striker Jay-Emmanuel Thomas and Burnley full back Kieran Trippier
Liverpool's Jonjo Shelvey is also included having not played for the U21's since a 4-1 victory over the Faroe Islands in September.

Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Birmingham) Alex Smithies (Huddersfield) Jason Steel (Middlesbrough)

Defenders: Nathanial Clyne (Southampton)Craig Dawson(c)(West Brom) Tom Lees (Leeds) Harry Maguire (Sheff Utd) Joe Mattock (Sheff Wed) Josh Meekings (Inverness CT) Jack Robinson (Liverpool) Kieran Trippier (Burnley)

Midfielders: Will Hughes (Derby) Thomas Ince (Blackpool) Jason Lowe (Blackburn) Ben Marshall (Leicester) Ravel Morrison* (Birmingham) Nathan Redmond (Birmingham) Jonjo Shelvey (Liverpool) Korey Smith (Charlton)

Forwards: Callum Ball (Coventry) Jay Emmanuel-Thomas (Ipswich) Luke Freeman (Stevenage) Luke James (Hartlepool)

* denotes player is uncapped

England came out on top in a tight game in Jerusalem this afternoon.
This was by far the most testing game England manager David Beckham has overseen during the span of his fifteen month reign as the home side refused to allow England to settle into their neat rhythmic passing game which Beckham has instilled, Although England just shaded the possession statistics Israel created plenty of chances and were unlucky not to pull level when they were twice denied by the woodwork and having a goal disallowed with the score at 1-0.

The first goal arrived after 25 minutes, Luke James, looking for his fifth goal in five games was played through wonderfully by a lovely chip from Thomas Ince, James found his path blocked by the onrushing Israeli goalkeeper but kept a cool head and rolled the ball back to Ince for the Blackpool winger to fire into an empty net, His third goal at U21 level.

Israel refused to accept defeat and rallied magnificently in the remaining twenty minutes of the first half and the majority of the second. Fulham youngster Omri Altman went close to an equiliser when his curling effort from 25 yards beat Butland in the England goal but cannoned back off the underside of the crossbar before bouncing clear. The home side thought they had leveled when Lens winger Firas Mughrabi netted from close range, His effort was however chalked off due to the linesman's offside flag.

England eventually made sure of the result was made safe in the 80th minute when Israeli goalkeeper Ran Ghnayem could only parry a powerful effort from Korey Smith into the path of Luke Freeman who added his first England goal to the sixteen he has scored for Stevenage in League One this season.

Next up for England is the much anticipated and controversial game with Afghanistan for the British troops stationed in the country which takes place on Tuesday.

England First Half XI:


England Second Half XI:

England strolled to victory over Afghanistan without breaking a sweat despite the tense political situation surrounding the game in front of 4,000 British and American troops.
Manager David Beckham made five changes to his starting eleven from Friday's game with Israel with Jason Steel coming in along with Jack Robinson, Raven Morrison, Korey Smith and Luke Freeman.

The first half proved a fairly dour affair with England failing to assert their dominance despite the opposition being among the lowest ranked sides in the World. The game eventually kicked into life five minutes before the end of the half when Luke Freeman was given a free header which he duly converted, However he was adjudged to be offside despite a subsequent replay showing he was in fact level with the last defender and the goal should have counted. Perhaps spurred on by the injustice England almost immediately took the lead, this time or real, Hartlepool's Luke James climbing highest to head home Nathan Redmond's corner to give England the advantage at half time.

England came flying out of the traps in the second half, complete with a brand new line-up as has become the norm in friendly fixtures under Beckham. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas latching onto Jonjo Shelvey's through ball and thumping a shot across the Afghan goalkeeper who could do nothing but watch his net ripple.
Emmanuel-Thomas made it three just after the hour mark had gone when the Afghan's again struggled to defend an England corner, Ben Marshall's ball hung invitingly over the box before the big Ipswich man leapt highest to head in his second.

Emmanuel-Thomas was again involved as England iced the proverbial cake three minutes from time, The big man fired a teasing low cross into the penalty area for Coventry forward Callum Ball to prod home from six yards and complete the afternoon which will hopefully have raised spirits not only in the England camp as they prepare to fly back to Europe to complete their Euro2013 preparations but also among the 4,000 onlooking servicemen and women.

England First Half XI:


England Second Half XI:

David Beckham has named is initial forty man squad for the start of the European under-21 Championship which kicks off in just over two weeks time.
The majority of the forty have played under Beckham several times throughout the qualification campaign and subsequent friendly's, however there are a few new faces among the group, Huddersfield full back Cheltenham midfielder Marlon Pack have been rewarded for their fine club form with a call up, Doncaster goalkeeper Gary Woods is also in the team after having being a unused substitute for the U21's five times, despite their inclusions in the initial squad it is thought to be unlikely that any of the three uncapped players will make the final cut when Beckham whittles his team down to 23 next month.

Euro2013 begins a week on Sunday 16th June as hosts Israel take on Spain in Tel-Aviv, England kick off their tournament the following day against rivals Scotland in Jerusalem before games with Italy and Austria.
Before the tournament however England face a series of warm up games with Greece, Ireland and Switzerland.


Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Birmingham) Alex Smithies (Huddersfield) Jason Steel (Middlesbrough) Gary Woods* (Doncaster)

Defenders: Steven Caulker (Tottenham) Craig Dawson(c)(West Brom) John Flannagan (Liverpool) Jack Hunt* (Huddersfield) Shaun Hutchinson (Motherwell) Martin Kelly (Liverpool) Jamaal Lascelles (Notts Forest) Tom Lees (Leeds) Harry Maguire (Sheff Utd) Joe Mattock (Sheff Wed) Josh Meekings (Inverness CT) Jack Robinson (Liverpool) Chris Solly (Charlton) Kieran Trippier (Burnley)

Midfielders: Jose Baxter (Oldham) Will Hughes (Derby) Luke Hyam (Ipswich) Thomas Ince (Blackpool) Jason Lowe (Blackburn) Ben Marshall (Leicester) Jacob Mellis (Barnsley) Jordan Mutch (Cardiff) Marlon Pack* (Cheltenham) Nick Powell (Man Utd) Nathan Redmond (Birmingham) Jonjo Shelvey (Liverpool) Korey Smith (Charlton) Raheem Stirling (Liverpool)

Forwards: Callum Ball (Coventry) Jay Emmanuel-Thomas (Ipswich) Luke Freeman (Stevenage) Luke James (Hartlepool) Gary Madine (Sheff Wed) Wilfred Zaha (Crystal Palace)

* denotes player is uncapped