Southgate chooses Steve Holland instead of David Beckham for World Cup

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Gareth Southgate, head coach of English men's football team, has chosen coach Steve Holland instead of David Beckham who is way more popular, as his partner during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, according to Daily Mail on Sunday.

FIFA World Cup is not just a sports event but also a business opportunity that requires eye-catching factor to attract fans. Beckham has played such a role before at both World Cup and the Olympics and could make a good choice. However, Southgate made his decision based more on football considerations before he picked Holland.

SouthGate did not pick David Beckham as his partner in 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. /VCG Photo

"In my view, Steve Holland is a legend. He has won the Champions League, Europa League, Premier League, FA Cup. He is the most experienced English coach in the country with his coaching background from developing young players right through to working with some of the best managers in the world," said Southgate.

Holland, 48, has assisted five head coaches including Carlo Ancelotti and Jose Mourinho and helped them win many champions.

"He is a huge ally for me, a great sounding board, great confidante and friend. He will challenge my thinking and speak his mind. He's been in the biggest matches possible, we have complete trust in each other and that is a critical relationship," said Southgate.

Southgate has also refused to bring Joe Hart (L) and Jack Wilshere (R) to Russia. /VCG Photo

This choice of Southgate is also a challenge to an English tradition. Fabio Capello, England's head coach during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa took Beckham with him. Roy Hodgson took Gary Neville, another member of the 92-Generation, for the 2012 European Football Championship and 2014 FIFA World Cup. Nonetheless, neither Beckham nor Neville provided much help before as England returned defeated.

Southgate has turned down celebrities as partners and controversially refused to bring Joe Hart and Jack Wilshere, possibly as part of his transformation of the team. His efforts remain to be tested by England's performances in Russia.