David Beckham Unveiled for LA Galaxy

David Beckham is finally unveiled for LA Galaxy.

He is expected to debut in a friendly versus Chelsea 21 July.

Red carpet rolled out for Beckham - BBC

BBC Video

Fans clamour to see Beckham play - BBC

BBC Images

Beckham unveiled in Los Angeles - AP - FoxSoccer.com

Beckham ready for LA challenge - Sky Sports


Beckham LA Galaxy Jerseys

Beckham Leaves for Los Angeles

David Beckham will be unveiled tomorrow and make his playing debut for LA Galaxy 21 July in a friendly against Chelsea.

Beckham and family fly to Los Angeles - AP - FoxSoccer.com


David Beckham LA Galaxy Jerseys - NEW

Beckham Real Madrid Era Nets £300m

David Beckham's time at Real Madrid raised merchandising profits for the club by 137%.

Madrid reveal Beckham cash boost - BBC


Beckham Merchandise

U.S. Shows Copa America No Respect

Although it was well into the second half against Argentina, U.S. Soccer was finally shown what fielding a weakened team against arguably the world's best team will get you. A 4-1 drubbing, that should have been worse.

Quite frankly, when the final whistle sounded, it was actually a relief, as one couldn't help but feel a little sorry for the overwhelmed young Americans. Another ten minutes and Argentina would have probably put up three or four more goals.

So the question is: why did the Americans field such a weak team?

It seems that the reasons run from "domestic leagues start soon or are already going" to "this is a good chance for the young guys to get ready for World Cup 2010."

The latter of those evokes the most laughter from anyone outside of the U.S. Soccer family. Imagine the English F.A. telling supporters that Euro 2008 is a good opportunity to try out the young lads.

The English F.A. and manager Steve McClaren aren't even allowed to field a weakened team for a friendly.

And they shouldn't be.

It's wrong that the U.S. should give a run-out to players that are not ready for international football. You don't get ready for international football during top level tournaments. You are supposed to show that you have arrived at those tournaments.

U.S. manager Bob Bradley recently stated, "when our focus turns to our ultimate goal of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa."

Forgetting for a moment the disrespect this shows to the Copa America, it seems strange to call "qualifying" for the World Cup the ultimate goal.

For starters, qualifying for the World Cup has not been a problem for the U.S.

They play in the weakest confederation other than Oceania. Their only real rival Mexico, is vexed when playing the Americans anywhere other than Mexico. And mysteriously, FIFA would rather pull World Cup spots from Europe or South America than to dare upset the delicate balance in North America.

Besides all of that, the U.S., with all its weaknesses, are still probably in the top two in the region.

The shock would be if they didn't qualify for the World Cup.

None of this is to say anything about the fact that sending your young players out to be humiliated doesn't prepare them for future tournaments. What World Cup champion was prepared by sending out their "B" squad to get pounded in the previous tournament?

This kind of rhetoric is reminiscent of talk prior to France '98, when many American players were cocky and dismissive about the difficult task at hand, right before scoring one goal and finishing 32nd. While those sentiments were at the complete other end of the spectrum, they are similar in showing that soccer is still very immature in the United States.

It would behoove the U.S. Soccer brain-trust, as well as many U.S. players, to watch interviews with the English national team players. Mostly what they would see is humility mixed with pride.

Respect for who they are playing, no matter how big or small, and every match matters.

Earlier this year, when dropped from the national squad, David Beckham stated he would walk back to England from the United States to play again for his country. And he will fly some 100,000 later this year to prove his loyalty and passion.

Sadly, U.S. Soccer doesn't seem to have any of this kind of passion, nor do they seem to have any respect for one of the world's premier football competitions.

You have to wonder if CONMEBOL will even bother extending invitations to the U.S. for future tournaments.

It must be disappointing to the U.S. national team fans that were excited to find out their team would make their first Copa America appearance in 12 years.

However, for true football fans of any nation, it would have been rather disconcerting if a hodgepodge, four-days-in-the-making, U.S. side had been able to hang on against eleven of the most talented footballers in the world.

U.S. Soccer will surely argue that Copa America conflicts with MLS and too closely followed the Gold Cup. But in the end, this just serves to highlight their unwillingness to play to the rest of the world's schedule.

And of course, MLS conflicts with the World Cup as well, but the U.S. position about how the Copa America and the World Cup stack-up in priority has now been well established.

Maybe the U.S. should have simply declined the invitation.

-Chris


Related on other sites:
CONMEBOL not pleased with U.S. - AP - FoxSoccer.com
CONMEBOL

Beckham, American Football Player Reggie Bush Video

David Beckham plays keepy-up with an American football and more.

Saints FC? Becks meets Bush - FoxSoccer.com Video 3:03


Beckham Merchandise

Beckham LA Galaxy Unveiling 13 July

LA Galaxy will unveil David Beckham on 13 July.

His first match will possibly be a friendly against Chelsea 21 July.

Galaxy set date to unveil Beckham - BBC


David Beckham Merchandise

Gold Cup TV Ratings 41 Percent Higher than NHL Final

The CONCACAF Gold Cup Final between the U.S. and Mexico draws a much larger audience than NHL Stanley Cup Final.

Gold Cup TV ratings 41 percent higher than NHL final - AP - SI.com

Beckham Sports American Football Uniform

For a new American television commercial, David Beckham trades in his football kit for American football pads.

Beckham gets football lesson from NFL´s Reggie Bush - AFP - Soccerway.com

Brand it like Beckham - AP - FoxSoccer.com

Beckham Merchandise

Beckham Recovers and Will Play in Title Decider

David Beckham's ankle is recovered and he will play in Real Madrid's last match of the season that will decide La Liga's champions.

Beckham ready to play in title decider - FoxSoccer.com - AP

Beckham Will Keep England Spot

David Beckham is told he can keep his place on the national team by England manager Steve McClaren.

Beckham assured of England future - BBC

David Beckham Merchandise

Beckham's Agent Says No Change in Deal

David Beckham's agent makes it clear to AP that the England international will head to LA Galaxy as planned.

Agent: Beckham sticking to Galaxy deal - Robert Millward AP

Lalas Says Beckham Not Staying at Real Madrid

LA Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas dismisses the idea that David Beckham might remain at Real Madrid.

Galaxy reject Real's Beckham plan - BBC

Beckham Asked to Stay by Real Madrid, Again

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon, who once claimed no other teams were interested in David Beckham, says he will try to talk the England international into staying at the Bernabeu.

Allegedly, there is a clause in Beckham's contract that would allow him to stay at Real Madrid.

A spokesperson for Beckham stated the move to LA Galaxy would take place as planned.


Real chief wants Beckham to stay - BBC

Beckham Looks to Continue for England

While the suddenly in-demand David Beckham looks to continue playing for the national side, pundits and fans alike have begun looking at future schedules and realizing Beckham will have to miss a lot of matches for LA Galaxy to remain in the England set-up.

Recent statements from both sides show that England will take priority over MLS.

When speaking of playing for the national team, Beckham makes no mention of scheduling conflicts and speaks only of his desire to remain in McClaren's squad.

LA Galaxy president Alexi Lalas seems in favor of Beckham's return to international glory, leading one to believe these details were worked out long before Beckham signed with the MLS club.

Yesterday, Beckham himself seemed to make everyone's speculation rather unnecessary, stating, "LA Galaxy will do everything possible to keep me playing for my country."


Beckham commits to England cause - BBC
Becks confident of club and country role - AP - FoxSoccer.com

Glenn Hoddle Tips Beckham to Continue for England

Former England manager Glenn Hoddle told BBC Five Live that he backs David Beckham to remain in the England squad beyond Wednesday's qualifier.

Hoddle stated "I think he could be back to stay, whatever happens in America."

Beckham back to stay, says Hoddle - BBC Report

McClaren Sets Up Lose Lose

Steve McClaren might think recalling David Beckham was sound strategy, but he has truly set up a lose-lose situation for himself.

It breaks down like this:

-If Beckham plays well, McClaren looks like a boob and Becks possibly receives credit for helping put England back on track to qualify for Euro 08.

-If Becks plays badly, surely the former England captain will take some heat, but McClaren will look bad as well, seeing that Beckham's Real Madrid boss, Fabio Capello, has been able to coax sterling performances from the superstar.

Ultimately, an unthinkable loss to Estonia would be McClaren's undoing, but the win they will likely secure will not provide any glory to McClaren. A win would be seen as what is expected.

Now if McClaren leaves Becks out, then maybe the under-fire manager has bought himself some time until the midfielder leaves for the United States. Then McClaren can argue that MLS players are not up to European standards and no one will be able to say differently.

Presumably there is an outside chance McClaren just picked David Beckham because he's in great form, and the England boss actually just wants to put out his best eleven this time around. But that's probably not the case.

It's more likely McClaren has either misjudged the situation or there is some sort of political pressure from somewhere in the England brain-trust that is driving the recall.

Either way, McClaren's chance to claim glory all to himself might slip through his grasp if he allows Beckham to step onto the pitch Friday versus Brazil, or next week against Estonia.

Beckham Finally Recalled for England

David Beckham had recently stated that he would walk back from the United States to play for England, but now he will not have to.

The former England captain has been recalled by manager Steve McClaren for a friendly against Brazil on 1 June and the Euro 08 qualifier versus Estonia on 6 June.

Beckham leaves Real Madrid in a few weeks to begin his MLS career with LA Galaxy, but his recent outstanding run of form has earned a turnaround from McClaren.

Michael Owen will also be making his return to the England squad after injuring his knee at last summer's World Cup.

England Squad:

Goalkeepers: Paul Robinson, (Tottenham), Scott Carson (Liverpool), Robert Green (West Ham)

Defenders: Phil Neville (Everton), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), John Terry (Chelsea, captain), Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Wes Brown (Manchester United), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Michael Dawson (Tottenham), Ledley King (Tottenham), Nicky Shorey (Reading)

Midfielders: David Beckham (Real Madrid), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), David Bentley (Blackburn), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Kieron Dyer (Newcastle)

Beckham recalled to England squad - BBC

Beckham's Man-of-the-Match Performance Allegedly Pressures McClaren

David Beckham might well wonder what it would take for him to receive an England recall. A new England manager might be his only hope.

The Real Madrid midfielder had a hand in all three goals on Tuesday as Real Madrid took a 3-2 lead over Bayern Munich in their Champions League first-leg tie. Aside from the goals, Beckham was dangerous throughout, putting Gonzalo Higuain in alone, and forcing a magnificent save from Oliver Kahn from a free kick.

In the three matches since Beckham's return to Fabio Capello's squad, the former England captain has scored, received a standing ovation from the notoriously difficult-to-please Bernabeu faithful, and put in a Man-of-the-Match performance in the Champions League.

But aside from a few compliments to Beckham's strong character, England manager Steve McClaren has stopped far short of saying a recall was imminent.

McClaren was quoted as saying, "It's four weeks before the squad will be announced, so we will see what happens within the four weeks."

England has been plagued with injuries and poor performances while attempting to qualify for Euro 2008, but McClaren has remained adamant in picking a squad that seems to have relatively little to do with on-pitch performances.

Shaun Wright-Phillips's selection being a perfect example of McClaren's unorthodox strategy. The Chelsea winger has received little playing time at Stamford Bridge, and has never lived-up to the promise of his performances at Manchester City.

McClaren continues to claim a "new direction" for England, but any reasonable football supporter would question a direction that doesn't begin with picking the best available players.

David Beckham will surely wonder the same.


More from other web sites (in a new window):
McClaren says Beckham's back in the mix - FoxSoccer.com AP
McClaren hints at Beckham recall - BBC

Related on Soccer Golazo:
English FA Quick to Dismiss Beckham Recall Rumours
David Beckham Receives Standing Ovation and Straight Red

English FA Quick to Dismiss Beckham Recall Rumours

Not surprisingly, the English FA have moved quickly to deny rumours that Steve McClaren is considering a David Beckham recall.

The Mirror had reported that the England manager had polled players as to their feelings regarding a possible return of the former England captain.

The claims of the Mirror did seem highly improbable considering McClaren's previous stance against any kind of role for Beckham in the squad.

Despite a myriad of injuries and woeful England performances following last summer's World Cup, McClaren seems unlikely to recall Beckham for duty as it would surely be viewed as an admission of failure.

England travel to Israel for a 24 March Group E showdown.


More from other web sites (in a new window):
FA dismisses reports over Beckham - BBC

Related on Soccer Golazo:
David Beckham - Mirror Reports McClaren Interest
David Beckham Receives Standing Ovation and Straight Red
Steve McClaren - England Manager Prepares For Next Loss

David Beckham - Mirror Reports McClaren Interest

In a story that falls under the category of "hard to believe," the Mirror is reporting Steve McClaren having polled England players about a possible David Beckham recall.

The article goes on to speculate that the move might take some of the heat off McClaren.

Presumably, that heat would then fall on David Beckham, as it often does.

Beckham has been in good form since his return from exile at Real Madrid.

The former England captain scored in his first match back and received a standing ovation Saturday as he was sent off with a straight red.

18 February 2007
SHOULD I PICK BECKS? - Mac's amazing phone poll of England stars - Exclusive by Paul Smith - sundaymirror.co.ik


Related on Soccer Golazo:
David Beckham Receives Standing Ovation and Straight Red
Steve McClaren - England Manager Prepares For Next Loss