So what if David Beckham’s international career has become a series of cameo roles — great, if they are superbly executed.

If it is a job of keeping possession, of taking the sting out of a game, Beckham’s technique still shows up most of his own international team-mates, something that will be more vital against Brazil than Belarus.

As for his ability to pick out a decisive pass, we have seen again this week that it remains undimmed. Pace is not always the answer. Poise can be essential and Beckham, through his experience, is superb at picking up a game’s rhythm. Dictating it, even.

His place on the plane would owe nothing to his status (which is diminished in any case to foot soldier under Fabio Capello), or to him having something to prove (although his motivation will be huge).

Nor would he be a passenger capable of only 30-minute bursts although, chances are, that is all that would be needed. The manager must take those who enhance his options, and Capello can see precisely how Beckham can be used to England’s advantage. It is why he continues to pick him.

The common mistake is to rank his chances against Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Aaron Lennon. Two of those three flyers will travel — and Beckham has no more chance of usurping the chosen pair (most likely Walcott plus one) than he does of beating them over a 30-yard sprint.

The argument needs to be broader, more intelligent on the ball, like Beckham himself. It needs to take into account that eight midfield players will go to South Africa because, then, Beckham is surely a man with a ticket.

Here are my eight: Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Gareth Barry, Walcott, Joe Cole, Lennon (or Wright-Phillips), Beckham, Owen Hargreaves (or Michael Carrick).

Pace, youthful zest, hardened experience, variety and cover in every position. And a decision, easy enough in my mind, to take Beckham ahead of Carrick. To take a guy still very capable of making a decisive impact in games ahead of a player who too often floats through them. To pick a man whom we can easily imagine making a telling contribution ahead of one who would be summoned for what exactly?

Beckham will spend the months leading up to South Africa in the company of world champions Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso at AC Milan, not in Hollywood. Chances are that he will be the 23rd man, but what a treat for Capello to be able to name as his last midfield player someone of Beckham’s abilities. Just don’t bring the beard.

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