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YOU'RE BECK TO STAY

David Beckham wants to reach 100 caps for England

Monday May 28,2007

By Harry Harris

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DAVID BECKHAM is back with England for the long haul – as he looks to tie down his regular place in the side again and become closely acquainted with aeroplanes plying the Los Angeles to London route.

Steve McClaren has told Beckham privately that he has not just selected him for the games against Brazil and Estonia – and has informed the former England skipper that he can play a major part in the rest of the Euro 2008 campaign.

Beckham, who has so far made 94 appearances for his country and desperately wants to reach 100 caps, was believed to have been brought back as a stopgap measure for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia.

However, Galaxy coach Frank Yallop believes Beckham will produce a starring performance and make it difficult for McClaren to drop him again.

“I believe David is going to have such an impact when he joins the squad again that it will be difficult to leave him out,” he said. “We realise that David wants to get to the 100-cap plateau and we will never stop him doing that.”

We realise that David wants to get to the 100-cap plateau and we will never stop him doing that.

Frank Yallop, LA Galaxy coach

If Beckham is indeed there for the long haul, that means a series of transatlantic flights to join up with the England squad while he plays for his new club LA Galaxy.

Beckham will try to minimise the affect of jet lag by either hiring a private jet or securing in advance Upper Class seats.
Release from his new American club is obligatory because of FIFA regulations.

But Beckham is sure that he will gain at least an extra day to cover the fatigue factor.

Beckham has also ruled out a loan spell in England during the winter as the US league has a short season. Yallop said: “He won’t be going on loan anywhere. He’ll be taking a break at that point and getting ready for our pre-season.”

Real Madrid boss Fabio Capello has also paid tribute to Beckham for his recent form as he helped set up two of Real’s goals in the 3-1 victory over Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday.

“David Beckham is playing better than he ever has over the last two years,” said Capello. “He is in extraordinary physical condition.

YOU'RE BECK TO STAY

29.05.07, 4:09am

What worries me is whether there will be too much pressure on Becks. I mean as he walks out onto the fiield he must know every eye in the world will be on him. I just hope his nerves don't get jangled! I also hope that McLaren will allow for the initial nerves if he plays a mistake or two.

• Posted by: Jean1 • Report Comment

BECKHAM FALL-GUY FOR UNDERACHIEVING TEAM!

28.05.07, 10:58pm

Beckham has much to offer England football. In my opinion, Becks was the fall-guy for an uninspired and mediocre team. At least, McClaren came to his senses… it wasn’t just David being the underachiever.
Whilst watching Real Madrid, this past weekend, Beckham demonstrated he still has his stuff… like it or lump it.
To all the naysayers out there; Beckman will infuse this team with self-confidence and purpose. Of course, for many, if the team falls flat, it will be Becks’ fault, no matter what!

• Posted by: misanthrope • Report Comment

YOU'RE BECK TO STAY

28.05.07, 12:13pm

Hooray! Mr McClaren has at last seen the light albeit late.What a stupid decision to drop him in the first place. He may be approaching the end of his top flight career and has lost half a pace.However, Beckhams experience passion and vision has been greatly missed . I have no doubt that he will add the extra spark to ignite a resurgence in the team .However I cannot help but continue to doubt the credentials and decision making of a manager who came from mediocrity in the premiership and whose professional highs have been as a No 2 to Sven and Sir Alex.
Soho square have to answer for this appointment which seems to have embraced petty nationalism.We do not necesarily need an Englishman in charge.We do need the best man for the job.
Is that really McClaren?

• Posted by: AJGrant • Report Comment