The Return of David Beckham

I know that David Beckham has been enjoying a resurgence, one that has propelled Real Madrid into the title race in La Liga. But there's no doubt that the most anticipated milestone in his comeback occurred yesterday when he wore the English national colors in the match against Brazil. Even after a few minutes of play, it was evident that this not Sven Goran-Eriksson's David Beckham.

There were still the precise, even magical, passes, crosses and free kicks, including one that missed the goal barely and the one that met John Terry perfectly for England's goal. But here was someone going back on defense, chasing 50/50 balls, running at defenders, intercepting passes. He even got his uniform dirty. And his hair was a modest buzz cut. Apparently, after the last English national team practice session, Beckham stayed on the pitch to practice another hour. While there have been rumors that the media circus that accompanied Beckham was one of the reasons Steve McClaren opted to drop him, there was no such disruption on this day. His teammates embraced after Beckham after the goal, and the fans applauded him when he was substituted. He played with an intensity that I haven't seen from Beckham in many years. Come to think of it, I don't know if I've ever seen that kind of intensity from David Beckham.

Whatever you think of Beckham, there's no doubt he is considerably gifted as a footballer. The Brazilians apparently believe that he is the one non-Brazilian player most capable of playing with them (OK, maybe Cristiano Ronaldo comes to mind as well). It was encouraging to see this resurgence. Perhaps it took the somewhat absurd series of events that landed him with the LA Galaxy--and off the field for both Real Madrid and England--to energize Beckham. Regardless of what motivated him, it was heartening to see him play this way. I think every soccer fan has to appreciate seeing Beckham playing this way (well, maybe not LA Galaxy fans who not end up seeing much of Beckham).

At the end of the day, literally, England still has its concerns. The defensive lapse that allowed Brazil to score was not terribly disconcerting given that it was a friendly match, and both teams had substituted liberally by this point (I doubt John Terry would have missed marking Diego). But, as much the English might have enjoyed Beckham's performance, England still faces an uphill march for Euro 2008 qualification. The injuries and lapses on defense, and the lack of goals are still problems for the English team.

But you can't blame David Beckham for them anymore.