David Beckham's England recall could put him on a collision
course with Los Angeles Galaxy if he remains part of Steve
McClaren's set-up this year.
England have four crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers during September and
October and that would put Beckham out of domestic action for the
Major League Soccer outfit, for whom he has signed a five-year
£125million deal.
McClaren axed the Real Madrid midfielder after replacing Sven-Goran
Eriksson as England coach but he has made a dramatic U-turn and
recalled Beckham for the friendly against Brazil on June 1 and the
Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia.
Galaxy have sold thousands of season tickets on the back of his
arrival, but Beckham's surprise recall could mean he could be on
duty for England against Israel, Russia twice and Estonia instead
of playing in the MLS.
Galaxy general manager Alexei Lalas admits they are concerned over
Beckham's international situation from a business point of view,
and hinted he may not be released for any non-competitive
games.
Lalas, speaking on BBC Radio Five's Sportsweek programme, said:
'From a business perspective it is not the greatest news because we
are selling the team with David Beckham and a lot of people are
excited to see him play with the Galaxy.
'We will deal with it from a business perspective, but for us to
say one of our players is representing England internationally is a
great thing.
'There are business challenges but there is an educated public here
when it comes to this international game we play. We recognise that
when we are going out and getting these stars, they have
responsibilities domestically and internationally.
'It is no different than when our American players are called up to
play in different tournaments. We lose them at different times and
we deal with it on the field and off it.
'I don't want to stand in the way of a player representing his
country but we have to be prudent and understand they have to be
the appropriate games. I would think they would have to be
competitive matches.
'If it works out scheduling wise, we would be happy to let him go.
But he has a responsibility on and off the field to our
organisation and to our support. I think he is excited about
pursuing that responsibility.'
The Galaxy chief added: 'He recognises that responsibility to the
Galaxy and to the sport in the United States. I represented my
country and I know what it means. It is something above money, it
is something you take with you forever.
'I would never stand in the way of a player doing that as long as
it is reasonable and they understand they have responsibilities to
the club.
'But we have a responsibility to make sure David's health is looked
after. This is a hell of a trip he is going to be taking by coming
to the United States and it can take its toll.
'We know when we have players playing in England and they have to
come back here for games, it is a very difficult proposition. I
think he is up to it to a certain extent, but we will sit down and
talk to him.
'Having said that there is a bigger picture and I would never stand
in the way of any of our players representing their country.
'When you sit down and talk to David, his time representing England
and his time as captain was something he holds dear.'
Lalas also believes Beckham's decision to quit Madrid when his
contract ends on June 30 and move to the MLS should not have a
bearing on future call-ups as he insists the player's fitness
levels will remain high.
But he is realistic enough to understand that the 32-year-old
Beckham is probably in a no-win situation by playing in a league
that many others regard as being inferior to the rest of the
world.
Lalas added: 'I don't think fitness is a problem. I would argue it
is much more physically taxing than other leagues. We understand we
are still a developing league but I refuse to think a player cannot
come to Major League Soccer and develop as well, if not better,
than in other leagues in the world.
'If he is lucky enough to be called up while he is playing with the
Galaxy, I believe England will be getting a player who is
physically and mentally fit and going through a unique experience
that is ultimately going to make him a better player.
'But he probably can't win either way. If misses a cross or doesn't
score a goal people will say it's because he is playing in America
for the Galaxy. If he does do well people will say it is because he
is a brilliant player and it doesn't matter where he is
playing.'
Galaxy coach Frank Yallop has insisted Beckham will not return to a
European club on loan later this year.
Reports have suggested Beckham could return to the Premiership in
November following the conclusion of the MLS season.
Everton, Tottenham and Blackburn have been linked with a move,
while Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has already expressed an
interest.
Yallop told Sky Sports News: 'He won't be going on loan anywhere.
He'll be taking a break at that point and getting ready for our
pre-season.
'He's shown he's a world-class player, he doesn't need to go back
and go on loan anywhere.'
Yallop believes Beckham`s performances will make it difficult for
McClaren to drop him again.
'I think David is going to have such an impact when he joins the
squad again it will be difficult to leave him out to be honest,' he
said.
'We realise David wants to get to the 100-cap plateau and we will
never stop him doing that.'
Madrid coach Fabio Capello again praised Beckham's recent form
after he helped keep the Spanish giants on course for their 30th
Primera Liga title.
Beckham played a pivotal role as Madrid beat Deportivo La Coruna
3-1 at the Bernabeu on Saturday.
Capello said: 'I said (on Friday) that David Beckham was playing
better than he has over the last two years.
'He is in extraordinary physical condition. When he puts the ball
into the centre he does it with much precision, speed and quality.
He is in great shape.'
