"He can put the ball on Crouch's eyebrows"

England meets Croatia in a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier later this month and the crucial decision for England Manager Steve McLaren is to decide whether to play David Beckham or not. The decision is further complicated by the bunch of injuries plaguing the England side.

The doubts for Beckham's choice is more from the point of view of how the strategy for the game will be. As Croatia's chief scout Goran Vicevic says: "The one thing we must do is stop Beckham. He can put the ball on Crouch's eyebrows."

Such is the fear of the Beckham free kick delivery. He will be targeted so much when he is in possession of the ball that Croatia will try to make it difficult for England to deliver long balls to the lanky Peter Crouch. However, this will actually work in England's favor. If Croatia try too hard, they will concede fouls at strategic Beckham range points which the guy will use to exploit the Croat defense. And also take advantage of Crouch's 6'7" frame.

Hope they win. Or at least draw the match. Or else it's adieu to the Euro 2008 competition.