The world press is in accord that it was David Beckham’s brave performance that made the difference for England Wednesday against Estonia. Becks carried on after twisting his ankle minutes into the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier and went on to supply Peter Crouch and Michael Owen with a pair of sublime crosses for England’s second and third goals of a comfortable 3-0 away win.
While the British press applauds his willingness to take one for the national cause, Real Madrid, still his employer for two more league matches, cannot be happy seeing him limp off the field. Reveling in the afterglow of another fine performance, Beckham allayed any concerns about his fitness for Real’s crucial match at fifth-place Real Zaragoza on Saturday. “A twisted ankle won’t keep me out of the match for Real,” he said in during the press conference. However, the news from Madrid wasn’t nearly as reassuring. In a statement, the club said Beckham had strained the internal lateral ligament in his ankle and that the club’s medical staff would have to monitor the injury over the next 48 hours before making a decision as to whether he can play on Saturday.
A hopeful Ruud van Nistelrooy, one of several Real Madrid players that have benefited from Beckham’s return to form, said he doesn’t think a twisted ankle can keep him. “David wants to play his last two games for Real Madrid and knowing his attitude I’m sure he will play,” the Dutchman said Thursday. Unfortunately, it’s out of either of their hands.