Beckham plots return

Bruce Arena has said that David Beckham could be back in training at the end of August. Los Angeles Galaxy are expected to take part in the play-offs again this November, but it is not yet known whether Beckham will be match-fit before the end of the season.

No doubt, he will figure on the bench and will be keen to get onto the pitch again as soon as possible.

In other news, England will be gearing up (without Beckham) for a return to Wembley to face Hungary in a friendly on Wednesday August 11th. This will form part of the build-up to the first of the European qualifiers against Bulgaria on 3rd September (also at Wembley). This will be quickly followed by an away match in Switzerland just 4 days later. There will be one more match this year (Montenegro at Wembley 12th October), and then the qualifiers resume in March 2011 against Wales (away).

Beckham says 'No'

David Beckham has categorically declared that he does not plan to go into football management at any point in the future, including the England job should it ever be on the cards...
Beckham reiterated his desire to continue in football mainly in his own football academies coaching at youth level, although I am sure he has plans to remain based in the US and linked with the MLS for some time to come.

Thierry Henry is reported to be available to play for the New York Red Bulls, and no doubt there will be more big names to follow - no doubt there are quite a few of the French squad who may be 'not available' for national duty after this years World Cup...
There are also rumors about Ryan Giggs being lined up for the MLS when he finishes at Manchester United. Sadly, many of the players that will be drafted in will be long past their best, of any of the rumors I have heard, the prospect of Giggs playing in the 'States is about the most interesting since Beckham crossed the pond.
Meanwhile Beckham is equally determined to state his case for being included in the England squad for Euro qualifiers, despite the fact that there is a real need for a 'new broom' to sweep through the current England squad, I remain hopeful that Beckham will be able remain part of the set up.

The right man for the job

Fabio Capello retains his post as England manager despite disappointing performances at the World Cup.

Beckham acknowledged being flattered by proposals that he might take the job, but fortunately sense has prevailed and the FA made their announcement when it became clear that there was no serious support behind the idea of letting Capello go.

A new look England team with some young blood will be required for the European qualifiers, and there are some candidates for retirement already. David James will soon be 40 years old and Jamie Carragher will head straight back for retirement from international duty. It is also unlikely that Emile Heskey or Ledley King will feature for England again. In retrospect, one wonders whether the inclusion of Carragher, King and Heskey was wise in the first place. There also a couple of tactical decisions that Fabio must admit were at least dodgy... nevertheless, England has little appetite for hanging ALL of the blame on the manager, this time the players must shoulder some responsibility at least for their lack lustre display.

The bright new stars will hopefully be lining up for the very next friendly against Hungary next month. Beckham will also be clamouring to retain a foothold in the new squad despite his age, one of the reasons that he will not entertain long-term ideas of a coaching role is that he is determined to play his part in the European qualifiers on the pitch.