Gerrard's left-centre stance means Beckham on the bench

It was good to see Steven Gerrard put a good shift in on the left wing on Saturday, albeit against a very ordinary Slovakian outfit.

For years now the left midfield slot has been a problem. Anderton, McManaman, Barmby, Guppy, Downing even Tim Sherwood have had a go, amongst a catalogue of other temporary occupants.

No solution had been adequately found or addressed - barring a decent Joe Cole spell - and was looking to stay that way in the absence of a decent left winger and a crocked Cole.

However, Gerrard, in glimpses against the Slovaks, showed not only does he have the undoubted ability, but most importantly, an intelligence and savvy to operate from the left.

The notion that Gerrard performs best as part of a midfield two has been erradicated by his performances for Liverpool this term in a more advanced midfield role, not to mention his largely non-descript showings when playing centrally for England over the past few years.

The David Pleat's and other numb-nutted dinosaurs of our punditry brethren may fret that he's not left footed, but that matters not.

That old school view went out of the window with Ronaldinho jinking in on his right peg, Cristiano Ronaldo cutting in off the left, Leo Messi zipping inbetween defenders from the right.

In is the new out. Gerrard has enough about him to do the same, a move which can see him operate with a freedom which could best suit his and the team, especially if he can forge a bond with Rooney.

With plenty in stock to fill two central midfield berths, our eyes move to the right, and the ponderance of a particular Spice Girl's other half.

David Beckham will be the victim of Gerrards leftfield success. Don Fabio recognises the need for balance and equilibrium in midfield - which with Stevie G's infield meanders - means pace and width down the right.

None of which boxes Beckham ticks.

Capello's club mentality dictates that selection is based on form, fitness and for the benefit of team cohesion.

England with Beckham and Gerrard risk becoming too narrow, therefore condensing play and struggling to get behind oposition backlines.

A Walcott, Wright-Phillips or Lennon is needed. Not because they are better than Beckham, but because the team is better without Beckham.

There is no doubt Beckham is an asset to the England squad and therefore should be selected. At 33 he is supremely fit. His range of passing, crossing and set-plays remain exemplary and he is now playing a standard of football which allows international selection.

All of which seems harsh to leave him resigned to cameo's, but the broader vision of Capello to select for the good of the team must be applauded.

This broader vision must too be accepted by the players. Previous regime's saw the golden boys monopolise their favourite positions - to no advantage for the cause.

The acceptance of Gerrard and Beckham to fill roles for the benefit of the team, may finally harness some success from the last ashes of the 'Golden generation'.