Beckham in England fitness battle

David Beckham concedes he faces an uphill battle to win a coveted 100th England cap against France on 26 March. England boss Fabio Capello did not pick Beckham, 32, for this month’s win over Switzerland and he fears a lack of fitness could see him sidelined again.

“I’ve no match fitness,” said Beckham, who plays for LA Galaxy in Korea on Saturday. “All I’ve done is training.

“I would love to reach the 100 caps, but I have to be physically ready to be part of the team.”

The former England captain played under Capello at Real Madrid and, though the Italian says Beckham is still part of his plans, the midfielder accepts his selection policy.

“I’ve played for Capello before, and he’s a great manager,” Beckham said.

“He is a manager that will pick players that are fit enough. I understand he selected others who played more games.”

Beckham interested in 2018 role

David Beckham would be honoured to help England’s 2018 World Cup bid, should he be asked by the Football Association. The 32-year-old is yet to be confirmed as a bid ambassador but would like to play a role similar to the one which helped London win the 2012 Olympics.

Speaking as he showed Prime Minister Gordon Brown his football academy in London he said: “To bring the World Cup to England would be something special.

“And I would be honoured to be involved in that.”

Beckham currently plays for LA Galaxy in America but has 99 England caps and captained his country between 2000 and 2006.

He added: “I was proud to be involved in 2012 and being involved in 2018 is something I would be interested in.”

Beckham ‘would accept’ 2018 role

David Beckham would be willing to work as the official face of the Football Association’s 2018 World Cup bid if he is approached. The former England captain, 32, worked as an ambassador to promote London’s successful bid for the 2012 Olympics.

Beckham is yet to discuss any role with the FA but BBC Sport understands the governing body wants him on board and he would be happy to support it.

The LA Galaxy star has won 99 caps and captained England from 2000 to 2006.

He is hoping to claim his 100th cap in February’s friendly against Switzerland.

As English football’s most famous face, Beckham’s presence on the bid team would be a boost to the FA’s hopes.

Beckham returns to England squad

David Beckham has been recalled to England’s squad for the friendly in Austria and the final Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia. If Russia beat Israel and Andorra - and Croatia avoid defeat in Macedonia on 17 November - England cannot qualify even if they beat Croatia four days later.

Beckham has recovered from injury and England coach Steve McClaren said: “We need big-game players like David.”

Captain John Terry and striker Wayne Rooney are both out with injuries.

Rooney dropped out of the squad after picking up an ankle injury while training with Manchester United on Friday.

LA Galaxy name Gullit as new boss

Former Chelsea boss Ruud Gullit has been named as the new coach of Major League Soccer club Los Angeles Galaxy. Former European Footballer of the Year Gullit succeeds Frank Yallop, who quit LA Galaxy to return to San Jose for a second stint as Earthquakes coach.

Galaxy captain David Beckham, who is likely to be named in Steve McClaren’s England team on Friday, is due to attend Gullit’s unveiling the same day.

Gullit, 45, has also previously managed Newcastle and coached Feyenoord.

Sore Beckham skips Los Angeles Galaxy practice

CARSON, Calif. — David Beckham skipped practice Friday to rest his sprained right knee, but the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder could play again before the end of the regular season.

Beckham returned unannounced to light training earlier this week after missing a month because of his knee, although he will not travel with the team for Sunday’s game at Houston.

“It was a surprise to everybody. He kind of wanted to come out and see what he could do,” coach Frank Yallop said about Beckham’s first appearance Wednesday. “He did well. It was good to see him out there.”

Beckham trained lightly Thursday, but his knee was sore Friday, so he didn’t join the team on the practice field.

Nigeria 3 - 0 Germany

Penalties. One word, but one which brings so many memories of jubilation and despair. For the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria, they will look back fondly on the spot-kicks taken at the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007, but for Spain the emotions may be too painful to recall. Some might say that a penalty shoot-out is no way to settle a match, let alone a FIFA final, but on the evening absolutely nothing could separate these two teams.

This was a match that was played not with a fear of losing, but rather a longing for glory. Both sides pressed for victory, with only the woodwork and some excellent goalkeeping ensuring a 0-0 scoreline after 120 minutes. It was the first-ever goalless draw in the final of the competition, leading to its fourth penalty shoot-out.

Nigeria, winners of the very first event back in 1985, were playing in their fifth final and this was their third trophy. That it is in their hands tonight is down in no small part to the goalkeeping heroics of Oladele Ajiboye, who saved from both Fran Merida and Iago as Yemi Tella’s side secured a 3-0 shoot-out success. Matthew Edile, Daniel Joshua and Ganiyu Oseni all successfully converted their spot-kicks and with Spain substitute Asier Illarramendi dragging his effort wide, the destination of the trophy was decided.

Germany’s late show secures third

A stoppage-time goal from Alexander Esswein helped Germany to a 2-1 win over Ghana and a third place finish at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007.

Blue skies and an appreciative crowd greeted both teams as they came on to the field with third place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup the target for Ghana and Germany. After losing in the semi-finals to Spain and Nigeria respectively, it seemed that both side were determined not to taste defeat in this match. Understandably, the opening was a little cagey, with clear cut chances at a premium in the opening 15 minutes.

Sascha Bigalke planted his free header safely into the arms of Joseph Addo from 12 yards, while Ransford Osei fired into the side netting after some good approach play. With 15 minutes gone, Germany could have taken the lead when Bigalke’s lofted pass into the box found the outstretched boot of Richard Sukuta-Pasu, but the ball spun wide.
The goal was not too long in coming, and when it did, it was of the highest quality.

Golden Eaglets reach the final

The Golden Eaglets have shown again that they were the team to beat in this World Cup. Throughout this tournament they have shown power and skill and agility and i’m not surprised that they trashed Germany. I’m hoping that they redeem Ghana by trashing Spain in the final.

Golden Eaglets reach the final

Goals from Macauley Chrisantus, Yakubu Alfa, and Kabiru Akinsola helped Nigeria seal a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Germany at Suwon Sports Complex on Thursday and earn a place in Sunday’s Final against Spain in Seoul FIFA World Cup Stadium.

Nigeria coach Yemi Tella rang two changes to the side that defeated Argentina 2-0 on Sunday, with defenders Usman Amodu and Daniel Joshua given their third chance to play in this tournament, while Germany boss Heiko Herrlich opted to start with his best eleven who scored four goals against England in the quarter-final.

With the rain coming to a stop an hour prior to the kick-off, it was the Germans who took the initiative on the slick pitch. In the 4th minute, Sascha Bigalke rounded three defenders on the left before unleashing a low shot from the centre of the area which was easily saved by Oladele Ajiboye.