The clamour is growing for new England manager Steve McClaren to recall David Beckham at the same time that John Toshack is resisting appeals to recall former Wales skipper Gary Speed.

The difference is that Wales still need Speed. England don't need Beckham.

Speed stands comparison alongside any of the greats of Welsh football. Besides his undoubted ability, his professionalism and dedication are an example to all.

He is one of the greatest, most consistent performers of the Premiership age and Tosh's young guns would benefit immensely from having him as a guiding force inside the Wales camp.

Stand-in skipper Craig Bellamy even recently called him his "inspiration".

I appreciate that Tosh has no desire to take a step backwards and seek short-term solutions. But this move would have long-term benefits for everyone in the squad, except perhaps Speed himself.

Which is probably why the evergreen Bolton midfielder has steered clear of making himself available again.

England on the other hand should be embarrassed at the thought of recalling Beckham. Yes, like Speed he was once his country's captain courageous.

But surely England have more than enough supposedly world-class and experienced figures to prosper without the Real Madrid substitute?

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