England's fickle fans owe it all to Becks

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By Patrick Snell, CNNSI.com

SAPPORO -- It was David Beckham's breathtaking freekick against Greece that got England to the Far East -- the icing on the cake after being the outstanding footballer throughout the qualifying campaign.

And on Friday night in Sapporo it was the Manchester United midfielder again, still not fully fit after recovering from a broken foot, who drilled home the coolest of penalties to beat Argentina and send thousands of English fans inside the Dome into raptures.

How they celebrated. How they rejoiced when Beckham ran towards them clutching his shirt.

Among them though, doubtless the same supporters who watched in horror as the same player was sent off against the South Americans at France '98.

They argued he’d lost England the World Cup (I thought the last time they reached a final was back in 66) and seemed to overlook the fact he wasn’t even on the pitch when two other players were missing vital penalties in the shootout.

Beckham effigies were even hung outside football grounds. Ludicrously some even argued he should never play again for his country.

If their wish had been granted, the team that performed so well against Argentina would not even be in Japan.

React: England vs. Argentina Disagree with Patrick Snell? Send us your thoughts on England's first World Cup win over Argentina since 1966.

There’s still a section of England fans -- starved of success for the best part of 40 years -- who treat Beckham with a degree of uncertainty despite the fact his commitment to his country’s cause is matched by no other.

Part of is without doubt down to the club he plays for, but for others the memory of St-Etienne four years ago is still too vivid.

It seems football’s most fickle fans require their country’s best player to deliver them the World Cup before they can finally forgive and just maybe... forget.

World Sport reporter Patrick Snell is in Japan covering the World Cup.

 

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