By Matt Barlow
PA Sport
Argentina coach Marcelo Bielsa will be happy to see David Beckham vacate the right flank for a role where he can't bombard his team with crosses.
Beckham's consistent performances for club and country on the right-hand side of midfield have earned him a reputation as one of the best players in world football. But Kevin Keegan has thrust the Manchester United star back into the heat of battle and Bielsa isn't sure how the England midfielder will react after another controversial weekend in the national spotlight.
Bielsa said: "We know Beckham for his role on the right and we are well aware of his great capacity to put in good crosses. I've not seen him in this role (centre midfield) but he's a very capable footballer and he will adapt. I'm aware of what happened to Beckham at the weekend but I don't know his character and I don't know how it will affect him.
"There are some England players who are decisive players and whose actions can turn a game. The central strikers, for example, are a force to be reckoned with. And we have particularly analysed Beckham for his ability to centre crosses from the right."
Bielsa dismissed suggestions that England's star midfielder might be out for revenge after suffering the shame of a red card in France 98.
England's World Cup dreams took a dramatic turn for the worse in St Etienne when Beckham retaliated to a heavy tackle from Diego Simeone by kicking out at the Argentinian. The pair shook hands and exchanged shirts after United beat Inter, in last season's Champions' League, but the pair will be under the microscope tomorrow when they come into direct contact again.
Bielsa, however, said: "I don't equate the match in St Etienne with the match at Wembley." Beckham will be joined in a midfield trio by Paul Scholes, another player who has been sent off in England colours, and Dennis Wise, who has had his own share of disciplinary problems. But Bielsa, who made his name as a coach in Argentina and Mexico, expects the football to shine through in his 16th game in charge of the national team.
"I wouldn't say previous events or games will bring about anything emotional but this is a fixture which always creates great football," he said.
Argentina have travelled to London without injured duo Juan Sorin and Matias Almeyda. They also have a doubt over Roberto Ayala. The AC Milan defender is suffering from a cold and Jose Chamot, who has recovered from a kick he received in training, stands by to replace him. Bielsa will delay naming his team until Wednesday.
