David Beckham’s desire to play for his country has never been in question — neither has his ability to deliver a ball with accuracy. Now that the former England captain is 32, the questions are over his fitness and mental sharpness. Luckily for both Beckham and England manager Fabio Capello, who sent general manager Franco Baldini to assess the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder’s fitness for England’s March 26 friendly with France, “The MLS, for all its limitations, lacks little in terms of the athleticism and speed of its players.” So said the London Times’ Ian Whittell, who was on hand this weekend for the Galaxy’s 0-0 draw with FC Dallas in Frisco, Texas. Beckham, he said, “has obviously lost none of his exquisite passing abilities, from open play or set-pieces, and his game fitness looked perfectly adequate.”
Indeed, despite a tepid team performance from the Galaxy, Beckham received a ringing endorsement from most British papers for his inclusion in Capello’s squad to face France later this month. Capello will name an initial squad on Wednesday or Thursday before announcing the final team this coming weekend.
Beckham, for his part, sounded pleased with his overall game. “I just had to go out and perform, play the balls I can play, work hard, show I’m fit again. That’s all I can do,” he said. “I’ve always said I always want to be available for my country. Nothing’s ever going to change that,” the former England captain said. “I don’t know how much longer I can play for England, it’s obviously down to other people to decide that. I always want to be available.”