Despite a pair of nondescript performances at the end of the L.A. Galaxy’s season, David Beckham on Friday was named to Steve McClaren’s England squad for the final Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia. The 32-year-old Beckham has played 97 times for England, which means appearances in the next two games would make him one shy of a century.
If England fails to qualify — and the matter is out of its control—Becks’ international career could end at 99. McClaren certainly would not survive failing to qualify for Euro ’08, and many pundits feel that Beckham wouldn’t either, as he will be 35 when the World Cup opens in South Africa in 2010.
Meanwhile, the former England captain is on the lookout for a Premier League club to practice with before the Nov. 21 qualifier against Croatia. Said Becks, “The Galaxy haven’t got a problem with that. They know I have got to keep myself fit for the England games coming up.” Tottenham and Ipswich are among the candidates, according to the Telegraph.