David Beckham has told LA Galaxy they must do everything they
can to help him continue his unexpected England revival.
Beckham is determined to keep his place in Steve McClaren's team
after starring in Friday's 1-1 friendly draw against Brazil.
The Real Madrid midfielder marked his first England appearance
since being dropped by McClaren in August with a perfect free-kick
to set up John Terry's goal at Wembley.
But Beckham's imminent move to American Major League Soccer club
LA Galaxy presents a potential stumbling block to his ambition of
reaching 100 caps for his country.
Several of LA's matches will clash with England fixtures next
season and Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas has made it clear he
does not want to release Beckham for friendlies.
Beckham has been handed a $250 million contract to help raise
the profile of football in America and his new employers are loath
to lose him when demand to see the star will be at its highest.
But Beckham, who should win his 96th cap against Estonia in
Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier, is a proud patriot and expects the
Galaxy to grant him the freedom to fulfil his international
targets.
"Everyone at the Galaxy knows I want to play for my country and
I'm sure they will do everything possible to let me play for my
country," he said.
"I haven't worked out schedules at all but I'm sure that can be
done nearer the time."
Questions have been raised about the prospect of Beckham's
fitness and competitive instincts being dulled by his switch to a
much lower standard of soccer.
But the former Manchester United player is adamant he will be
able to maintain his high standards in California.
"Physically I'll be fine," he said. "I'll still be as fit as I
am today. The travelling is not going to be a problem. I would
travel anywhere to play for my country so we'll see."
Beckham's England career seemed over when McClaren axed him in
August but he insisted he had never given up hope of representing
his country again.
"I'm a positive person and I always believed I would get my
chance to come back," he said. "Obviously I've had it now and I'm
happy with myself.
"I was just happy to be a part of it. For me it was very
emotional to have a reception like that."
Attention now turns to England's crucial trip to Tallinn for a
match they must win to keep alive their hopes of reaching next
year's European Championship finals.
Jamie Carragher acknowledges the pressure is on as England try
to catch the Group E leaders, but the Liverpool defender has no
fears that it will affect the team.
"There's always pressure when you play for England in one of
these big games but that's what it's all about," he said. "There is
no point shrinking from it.
"It's inevitable but if we produce another decent performance
then there's no reason why we shouldn't get the three points."
England goalkeeper Paul Robinson insists there is no chance his
side will underestimate Estonia, despite their struggles in the
qualifying campaign.
"We know a lot about them," Robinson said. "We've watched a lot
of videos and done a lot of research on them so we're well
prepared.
"We know it's a tough place to go but we just need to play as
well as we did tonight and hopefully that will be enough to get the
right result.
"There's always a lot of pressure on England. The country
expects success and we hope we can give it to them."
(China Daily via AFP June 4, 2008)