LA Galaxy are on tour in Asia and have just revealed that the current tour will be extended to three games. Originals plans included games against FC Seoul (March 1st) and Shanghai-Hong Kong United (March 5th), a third game against Hong Kong Union has been scheduled for March 9th.
Meanwhile the England camp prepares for a tough match against France in Paris on 26th March (originally planned as a warm-up for two teams heading for the European Championships...), whilst the MLS season begins in earnest just three days later. Realistically, there is little chance of Beckham being considered for this match unless there are significant injuries. The elusive 100th cap must wait...
Thursday, 28 February 2008
Wednesday, 27 February 2008
Pan-Pacific Tournament
The first Pan Pacific Tournament organised by MLS and featuring Beckham and LA Galaxy took place in Hawaii this month. The Galaxy did not cover themselves in glory by coming third out of the four teams that were invited to take part.
They lost 1-0 to eventual tournament winners Gamba Osaka of Japan, but beat Sydney FC 2-1 in their final game.
Beckham played full games and set up both of the goals in the game against Sydney in true Beckham style. "The right foot seems to be working" was the quote following the game- hopefully the left ankle isn't still a problem then??
Beckham and the Galaxy now move on to Asia prior to starting a new MLS season in which David will feel he has something to prove, both to the home crowd, and to the England manager.
They lost 1-0 to eventual tournament winners Gamba Osaka of Japan, but beat Sydney FC 2-1 in their final game.
Beckham played full games and set up both of the goals in the game against Sydney in true Beckham style. "The right foot seems to be working" was the quote following the game- hopefully the left ankle isn't still a problem then??
Beckham and the Galaxy now move on to Asia prior to starting a new MLS season in which David will feel he has something to prove, both to the home crowd, and to the England manager.
Wednesday, 20 February 2008
England v USA?
England have a game against France lined up on 26th March, but it is unlikely that Beckham will be considered for this game as his fitness is no more certain than it was when he was training with Arsenal. Beckham is back training with LA Galaxy now and will have pretty much given up on the idea of his 100th cap being handed over any time soon.
There is a glimmer of hope now that Scotland have pulled out of the planned game on May28th, as the USA may be considering throwing their hat into the ring to face an England team which would be almost certain to feature Beckham at some point. It is the MLS who will negotiate with the FA over this possible fixture and it might be suggested that Beckham would be required to be at least part of the squad. This may well test Capello's resolve to only consider players who have earned a place in the team - and I wouldn't be surprised to see him sticking to his guns...
At least by then, Beckham will have had a chance to prove himself on the pitch, maybe we will see Capello catching a 'plane over to watch him play in LA ??
There is a glimmer of hope now that Scotland have pulled out of the planned game on May28th, as the USA may be considering throwing their hat into the ring to face an England team which would be almost certain to feature Beckham at some point. It is the MLS who will negotiate with the FA over this possible fixture and it might be suggested that Beckham would be required to be at least part of the squad. This may well test Capello's resolve to only consider players who have earned a place in the team - and I wouldn't be surprised to see him sticking to his guns...
At least by then, Beckham will have had a chance to prove himself on the pitch, maybe we will see Capello catching a 'plane over to watch him play in LA ??
Wednesday, 6 February 2008
Beckham says it would be unfair...
...to have picked him over other players for the friendly international against Switzerland taking place tonight.
He rightly observed that many Premiership players have played 15 full-tilt games over the last two months while Beckham has been training with the Arsenal squad. The MLS season does not get under way until March, and hopefully he will take his chances to prove his fitness on the pitch to return to the England squad for that elusive 100th cap. Naturally Beckham acknowledges his disappointment stating that every player wants to be picked, however he knows Capello of old and will not expect favours from his old manager.
Beckham has also stated that he thinks that Capello is the right man for the job and respects his decision-making.
Gerrard has been given the captain's armband for tonight's match, but Capello will not release the starting lineup until the last moment.
He rightly observed that many Premiership players have played 15 full-tilt games over the last two months while Beckham has been training with the Arsenal squad. The MLS season does not get under way until March, and hopefully he will take his chances to prove his fitness on the pitch to return to the England squad for that elusive 100th cap. Naturally Beckham acknowledges his disappointment stating that every player wants to be picked, however he knows Capello of old and will not expect favours from his old manager.
Beckham has also stated that he thinks that Capello is the right man for the job and respects his decision-making.
Gerrard has been given the captain's armband for tonight's match, but Capello will not release the starting lineup until the last moment.
Saturday, 2 February 2008
Beckham can still make his 100 caps
Everyone from Micah Richards to Sir Alex Ferguson have voiced their opinion on Beckham's fitness and whether he will make his 100th cap. Ex-England captain Terry Butcher on the other hand has declared that he thinks it unlikely that the elusive 100caps will ever come.
Ferguson has said that Capello has made a decision based on the facts regarding match-fitness, and England defender Micah Richards writing for the BBC believes that Beckham will get his chance.
Arsene Wenger has come out to say how impressive David Beckham has been whilst he has been training with the Arsenal squad. He has recognised the desire that Beckham has shown to prove his fitness and dedication to the job in hand. On the other hand many agree that you should not feel obliged to pick a player for sentimental reasons and Capello is certainly not about to go down that route. Other Premiership managers have expressed support for Beckham in the form of Steve Bruce, Harry Redknapp and Martin O'Neill demonstrating how well Beckham is regarded amongst those who know him best.
At least Beckham can be sure that if he gets picked again for England it will be because he has thoroughly deserved the chance.
Ferguson has said that Capello has made a decision based on the facts regarding match-fitness, and England defender Micah Richards writing for the BBC believes that Beckham will get his chance.
Arsene Wenger has come out to say how impressive David Beckham has been whilst he has been training with the Arsenal squad. He has recognised the desire that Beckham has shown to prove his fitness and dedication to the job in hand. On the other hand many agree that you should not feel obliged to pick a player for sentimental reasons and Capello is certainly not about to go down that route. Other Premiership managers have expressed support for Beckham in the form of Steve Bruce, Harry Redknapp and Martin O'Neill demonstrating how well Beckham is regarded amongst those who know him best.
At least Beckham can be sure that if he gets picked again for England it will be because he has thoroughly deserved the chance.
Friday, 1 February 2008
Beckham NOT in England squad
The first game of 2008, the first game under a new manager and maybe the dawning of new era is not to be overshadowed by the crowning of Beckham as the fifth England player to ever reach 100 caps. Capello has left sentiment to one side and decided that Beckham will not feature in the game on 6th Feb. Thirty players are in the squad, David Beckham is not amongst them.
Undeniably he has worked hard to prove fitness and determination, but lack of significant football action lately and the uncertainty over how well recent injuries have healed have left David Beckham out in the cold.
Fabio Capello has not closed the door on Beckham and he will have to somehow prove himself on the field in the same way that the other England players have. It remains to be seen whether action in the MLS once the season starts, will be enough of a challenge to compare with players in the Premiership - it is possible that Beckham has sold his chance at 100caps for the LA Galaxy dollars.
On the other hand one could speculate that Fabio Capello wants to be the sole centre of attention at Wembley next week, lets hope it doesn't go wrong at the first attempt otherwise, be assured he definitely WILL be the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons.
Undeniably he has worked hard to prove fitness and determination, but lack of significant football action lately and the uncertainty over how well recent injuries have healed have left David Beckham out in the cold.
Fabio Capello has not closed the door on Beckham and he will have to somehow prove himself on the field in the same way that the other England players have. It remains to be seen whether action in the MLS once the season starts, will be enough of a challenge to compare with players in the Premiership - it is possible that Beckham has sold his chance at 100caps for the LA Galaxy dollars.
On the other hand one could speculate that Fabio Capello wants to be the sole centre of attention at Wembley next week, lets hope it doesn't go wrong at the first attempt otherwise, be assured he definitely WILL be the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons.
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