Beckham talks to Galaxy

LONDON – 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 125-million-pound 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 football.But the former Manchester United player is adamant he will be able to maintain his high standards in California.Nampa-AFPThe 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 125-million-pound 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 football.But the former Manchester United player is adamant he will be able to maintain his high standards in California.Nampa-AFP