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.”

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.

Beckham returns in LA Galaxy draw

David Beckham returned from injury for Los Angeles Galaxy as the side extended their unbeaten run to seven games. Beckham, who has been out with a knee injury since 29 August, came on after 68 minutes in the 1-1 draw with New York Red Bulls.

The midfielder failed to help his side to a sixth straight win but they still have a chance of making the play-offs.

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.

England Women face tough US test

England will face the United States in the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup on Saturday. The US beat Nigeria 1-0, courtesy of a first-minute goal from Lori Chalupny, to top Group B and set up the showdown.

Chalupny’s shot was deflected in off Ulumma Jerome after she latched on to a Abby Wambach flick-on from a long throw in the first minute.

England Women 6-1 Argentina Women

England reached the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals after comfortably beating Argentina in Chengdu. England led 2-0 after 10 minutes thanks to Eva Gonzalez’s headed own goal and Jill Scott’s speculative shot.

Catalina Perez was sent off early in the second half, giving away a penalty that was converted by Fara Williams.

Argentina pulled a goal back through Gonzalez’s free-kick, but Kelly Smith struck twice more and Vicky Exley made it 6-1 with a confident penalty.

The win meant England finished second in Group A behind Germany and they will discover their quarter-final opponents on Tuesday when the Group B matches are completed. The United States are favourites to progress along with either Sweden or North Korea.

China women triumph over Denmark

Xiaoli Song scored a brilliant winner as host-nation China grabbed a dramatic 3-2 victory over Denmark in their opening game of the Women’s World Cup. Li Jie fired China ahead with a curling free-kick and Bi Yan’s shot looped in off Denmark defender Cathrine Paaske Sorensen to make it 2-0.

Denmark replied through Anne Dot Eggers Nielsen’s header and Paaske Sorensen nodded them level late on.

But there was still time for Song to win it with a spectacular 25-yard shot.

source:bbcsports

Brazil 5-0 New Zealand

Brazil coasted to a 5-0 victory over New Zealand in their first match in Group D of the Women’s World Cup. Brazil were on top throughout and took the lead when Daniela’s shot looped over Jenny Bindon and into the net.

Cristiano added a second with another powerful effort into the top corner before Daniela’s drive hit the bar.

Cristiano set up Marta to score a third with a precise finish and Renata Costa smashed home a fourth before Marta’s superb solo goal completed the rout.

source:bbcsports

England 2-2 Japan

England were denied an opening Women’s World Cup win as Japan stole a 2-2 draw with the last kick of the game. Aya Miyama put Japan ahead with a free-kick before Kelly Smith turned the game on its head with two goals.

Smith held off two defenders to level, and England looked on course for victory in Shanghai as the Arsenal striker struck from close range.

But England were thwarted as Miyama struck with a second free-kick from an identical position deep in injury time.