Beckham keeps England's goals in perspective

For those in search of relief from the rolling news coverage of events in the Gulf, a crowded conference room in Le Meridian hotel, Heathrow, seemed to offer the perfect refuge yesterday morning.

The packed, low-ceilinged venue with its blue lights, rock music and crush of bodies initially appeared a disco waiting to happen. Then the presence of 18 camera crews, 30 photographers and 100 hacks registered. This was clearly a news event of major import.

It was not. It was the launch of a new football kit. But contrary to what some harassed parents believe it is not every day that the England team launch a new strip. The shirt modelled by David Beckham yesterday was the first new home jersey since the start of Sven Goran Eriksson's reign as England coach in February 2001. Nevertheless, the interest was remarkable, and enormously gratifying for an impecunious Football Association watching out nervously for any waning in the marketability of its prime asset.

The attention perhaps, though, reflected that at times of conflict any national symbol commands attention, and the England team has long been a focus for both positive and negative aspects of patriotism. Certainly, the escapist mood did not last long. Beckham was soon asked about the potential lift in morale which success in the forthcoming European Championship fixtures against Liechtenstein and Turkey could provide for English troops.

Footballers are customarily disparaged for being insular and lacking intellect, but Beckham dealt eloquently and sensitively with the issue.

"Our love and thoughts go out to the families that have lost people already: mums and dads, sons and daughters," he said. "But we shouldn't be talking about football and the war in the same breath." Pressed, he said he was aware that football could provide a diversion and added: "If we can bring some sort of happiness by our results, and hopefully we can on Saturday and Wednesday, it would be nice to put some smiles on people's faces and take their minds off things for five minutes."

David James was of similar view. He said: "Let's get things right. We're playing a game of football. It's entertainment, it's nice, and we obviously want to do well. They are out there fighting a war and lives are at stake. I don't think the two are comparable. At the same time, if we can give them a bit of joy that would be good."

It was, he added, of "paramount importance" that England supporters behaved, but that was always the case, war or not. "The game does not need violence, especially unprovoked violence."

The goalkeeper, who clearly expected to make his competitive international debut in Vaduz, said he was unconcerned about personal security in Liechtenstein, whose officials at one stage wondered if Saturday's game could safely be staged there. Beckham, who is much more a figurehead, and has experienced kidnapping scares involving both his wife and oldest son, admitted the subject did cross his mind but said as captain it was his duty not to let it affect him. "If there was a problem, the Football Association would never have allowed the game to take place," he added.

It was a reminder of the pride Beckham feels in his leadership role. Since England's last match, Alan Shearer, Beckham's predecessor as captain, had briefly threatened to come out of international retirement. Beckham was polite but unequivocal on the issue. "Alan has been massive for Newcastle this season and if he wants to come back he'd be a great player to have in the team. But I definitely don't want to give the captain's armband back."

Moreover, pledged Beckham, he would never follow the example of Shearer and Roy Keane, and retire from the international arena to prolong his club career. At least, not while he kept that armband. "I want to play as long as I can and as long as I am England captain I will play for both England and Manchester United."

Since Beckham is 27 years old ,the subject would appear premature, but we were back with the trivial and everyone was much more comfortable with that. The focus turned to the game which was, said Rio Ferdinand, "a chance to get back on track after a blip". The necessary tunnel-vision was returning, complete with cliché.