Countdown to Beckham; News and Rumors

[FC Uptown]

May 25
"David Beckham is on the verge of a remarkable return to the England team tomorrow when Steve McClaren names his squad for the friendly against Brazil and the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia. Sources close to the England manager say that he is ready to go back on the decision to cast the former captain out of international football in August.

It represents a huge decision for McClaren as he faces a critical period of his embattled regime. Failure to beat Estonia on 6 June would almost certainly see him sacked as England manager with the team currently fourth in qualifying Group E. McClaren is understood to have discussed with his coaching staff the prospect of recalling Beckham and the England manager has also satisfied himself that the move would not face major opposition from his senior players. "


http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/internationals/article2581127.ece

[FC Uptown]

Posh at sex store

http://www.dailyindia.com/show/143516.php/Poshs-45min-stop-at-LA-sex-store!

[FC Uptown]

"Speaking of Mr. Beckham : He is scheduled to make his Galaxy debut on July 21 (8.30 p.m. ET, ESPN2) against Chelsea but plans are in the works for Beckham to take part in activities surrounding the 2007 Sierra Mist All-Star Game July 19 (9 p.m. ET, ESPN2) at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. Beckham was left off the official ballot but as one MLS official told me, "We're going to do whatever it takes to come up with a plan that everyone is comfortable with that allows David to take part in what is shaping up to be a tremendous week in Denver and perhaps our best All-Star event ever." "

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=433581&root=mls&cc=5901

[FC Uptown]

Back to the Future

"David Beckham was "absolutely delighted" to be recalled by England manager Steve McClaren for the friendly against Brazil at Wembley next Friday and the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia.

Former England skipper Beckham was dumped by McClaren when he took over as England coach after the World Cup exit last summer.

But the Real Madrid midfielder has now been restored to the squad, with McClaren revealing: "David was absolutely delighted as I knew he would be.

"He is coming into form and deserves to be here. We've got a very big game in Estonia coming up that we have to win and I've got to pick a squad capable of doing that. That's why I've picked David.

"Winning away at international level is very difficult anywhere and we need as much experience as we can get."

McClaren attributed Beckham's recall to his form during the second half of the La Liga season."

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/overseas/spain/news/story_get.dor?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/05/26/SOCCER_England_Snap.html&TEAMHD=spain

[Dr. Foosball™]

Later, Posh also managed to fool the waiting paparazzi by getting her minder to drive a blow-up doll that looked like her around the city, before stopping at a jewellery store.

As the photogs clamoured to get a shot of the mum-of-three, her security team showed the snappers just how thoroughly they had been fooled when they opened the car door and pulled out the effigy, complete with trademark sunglasses and a blonde wig.



Looks like the paparazzi aren't up on her British antics.

[FC Uptown]

"LA won't loan out Becks to Toon

Los Angeles Galaxy coach Frank Yallop has insisted David Beckham will not return to the Premiership with Newcastle or anyone else next season.

In the wake of Beckham's recall to the England squad by Steve McClaren, reports have suggested the midfielder could return to the Premiership in November following the conclusion of the MLS season.

Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has already expressed an interest, while Everton, Tottenham and Blackburn have also been linked with a move. "



http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/6854830

[Dr. Foosball™]

We'll see about that. Beckham will be the de facto ruler of MLS when he arrives, he will do as he pleases. The last thing the "powers that be" want is to piss off their cash cow.

[FC Uptown]

Beckham on his fitness while in the MLS:
"...He is adamant he will still be in good enough shape to continue representing his country once he moves to California.

Speaking in a BBC Radio Five interview recorded before the squad was revealed, Beckham said: "I'll be a lot fitter (playing in LA), still as fit as I am now, maybe more fit.

"The training will be difficult in America with the humidity so I still feel I'd be able to play for England." ...."

http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Soccer/0,,2-9-840_2119712,00.html

[FC Uptown]

"Posh is smiling but has recalled Becks got cold feet about his move to the US?"

There was an interesting and emotional private celebration last week at Los Molinos, a restaurant just outside Madrid.


David Beckham was presented with a cake with the words "You'll Never Walk Alone" iced on it in chocolate, and an inscribed silver tray which urged him to remember the good times he has had at Real Madrid.


Beckham is said to have had tears in his eyes when he stood up to receive the keepsake....


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=457718&in_page_id=1773

[FC Uptown]

Here are the MLS games Beckham could potentially miss if he's called up for England games this year (note that all but the MLS Cup final would take place at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles):

Sept. 8 vs. Colorado
Sept. 13 at Chivas USA
Oct. 13 vs. Toronto FC
Oct. 18 vs. New York
Nov. 18 MLS Cup Final

[DeigoRedD]

FIFA says Galaxy must release Beckham for friendlies (http://sports.yahoo.com/mls/news?slug=stgalaxybeckham&prov=st&type=lgns)

That leaking sound you hear is Lalas peeing his pants.

[Dr. Foosball™]

I don't think it will be that big of a deal. Beckham is good, nobody rational would say differently. The Three Lions are not going to able to use him in the distant future and probably aren't getting in to the Euro tournament. I think he will play four more, get his 100 caps, and move on.

On a side note, if he does play for the national team this summer, every match he will miss will be at the Home Depot Center.(other than the MLS Final, which LA won't be in anyway.)

[FC Uptown]

Steve McClaren hinted at starting David Beckham for England's next matches as the former captain completed his first training session following his recall.

The 32-year-old was lined up in midfield with Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole during a 10-a-side drill at London Colney, 331 days since he last wore the England shirt.

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/overseas/spain/news/story_get.dor?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/05/28/manual_201405.html&TEAMHD=spain

[FC Uptown]

No Real Madrid US Tour - without Becks, we don't give a shitte.

"Americans pull plug on £15m Real tour over main draw's absence

Real Madrid have had to scrap a £15m tour of the US because the Americans are not interested in them without David Beckham.

The former England captain is adamant his last game will be Real's final league match, on 17 June against Mallorca. And his refusal to play beyond that has ruined plans for one more Beckham-related pay-day. The failure to set-up a game against LA Galaxy also means instead of bowing-out for Madrid against Galaxy he could be making his debut against Chelsea on 21 July...."

http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/internationals/article2591481.ece

[WarrenAbao]

British soccer commentator Allan Mullery said on Sky Sports News last night that David Beckham would have no chance of returning to the English national team once he joins the Galaxy because the level of play in MLS is comparable to the English Conference (i.e., 5th division).

Real Salt Lake aside -- what a tool.

[FC Uptown]

England Coach eats (shitte?) humble pie

"You've got to respect the work Fabio Capello is doing at Real Madrid," said McClaren.

"He has had the same problems as me. He had no hesitation about bringing David back when he was on form and that has changed the fortunes of Real Madrid.

"I would be very foolish to ignore that."

http://www.sportinglife.com/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/05/29/SOCCER_England_Nightlead.html

[FC Uptown]

Beckham could be loaned out after the MLS season?
(Lalas saying something, or sticking his foot in his mouth?)

"Los Angeles Galaxy president Alexei Lalas has admitted David Beckham could be loaned out to a European club at the end of the Major League Soccer season, although his manager Frank Yallop does not agree.

There have been suggestions that Beckham, who is joining the Galaxy in July on a five-year £125million contract, could return to Europe on loan in November with one of the leading clubs.

Moves to Spain, Italy and England - Newcastle are reportedly interested in a loan deal - have been hinted at.

Lalas is not necessarily against such a deal.

He told Sky Sports: 'We would always consider any possibility that would either make the player better as a soccer player and a more valuable asset, or playing with another team on loan if we felt it made proper business sense.""

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=434914&cc=5901

[Dr. Foosball™]

Villa is also a possibility. I expect him to have a sudden "nagging knee injury" after the regular season.

[FC Uptown]

Whitehall's battle to block Beckham's knighthood

David Beckham is at the centre of a Whitehall campaign to prevent him being made a knight.
Civil servants have been asked to consider the former England captain's suitability for the honour.
Two lists are being prepared - the Queen's Birthday Honours and Tony Blair's resignation honours.

A source said: "His name has been put forward but there is a view among some officials that it should not be approved while there is a conflict between his future as an England player and his contract with an American club.

"Some officials feel that there is nothing wrong with honouring a player who is based in Europe and free to represent his country if required, but feel there is a big difference if the same player is earning his main income and paying tax in the United States and unable to play for England."

Beckham, 32, is still a Real Madrid player but has signed a £25million five-year contract with LA Galaxy starting this summer. There is concern that the move means he is putting club above country.

He was dramatically recalled by England this weekend after being dropped at the end of last year's World Cup.

He is seen by Downing Street as an iconic player and is highly regarded for the key part he played in bringing the 2012 Olympics to London. Deeply patriotic, he was delighted to be awarded the OBE in 2003.

In addition to his record as England captain, he and Victoria score highly as givers to charity.




http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23398768-details/Whitehall's+battle+to+block+Beckham's+knighthood/article.do

[WarrenAbao]

A source said: "His name has been put forward but there is a view among some officials that it should not be approved while there is a conflict between his future as an England player and his contract with an American club.

"Some officials feel that there is nothing wrong with honouring a player who is based in Europe and free to represent his country if required, but feel there is a big difference if the same player is earning his main income and paying tax in the United States and unable to play for England."

The Galaxy will reciprocate by awarding him the blue ribbon as top steer in the Orange County Fair.