May 13, 2008
Gallery Update
David Beckham shoots Ad for Sharpie with a little girl in LA, California - May 7,2008 Go to the Gallery to see the HQ pic.

May 12, 2008
David Beckham named in England squad for friendlies against U.S. and Trinidad 
David Beckham was named in England's squad for friendly games against the United States and Trinidad and Tobago as coach Fabio Capello keeps faith with the veteran Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder. 
Beckham is included in a full-strength squad of 31 as they face the United States at Wembley on May 28 and visit Trinidad on June 1.
John Terry, who dislocated his elbow in Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Bolton on Sunday, is expected to recover in time for the games and is one of five Blues in the squad.
It also includes four of the Manchester United team that won a 10th Premier League title in 16 years and second in a row by beating Wigan 2-0 on the final day of the season.
Three defenders are newcomers to the squad -- Everton's Phil Jagielka, Middlesbrough's David Wheater and Blackburn's Stephen Warnock. 
But it also includes West Ham striker Dean Ashton, who was chosen in a squad to face Greece in August 2006 but broke his ankle during his first training session ahead of the game.
Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone, Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart could also make their first appearances as Capello tries out younger players ahead of World Cup qualifying matches later this year.
Capello took over in succession to Steve McClaren who was sacked following England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008.
He left out Beckham from his first match in charge against Switzerland, but he returned to the fold to earn his 100th cap in the defeat to France.

May 11, 2008
Beckham booked as Galaxy go down
David Beckham was shown a yellow card as the Los Angeles Galaxy went down 2-1 to the New York Red Bulls, Juan Pablo Angel scoring the winner with his first goal of the new MLS season.
The former Aston Villa striker, who was the league's leading scorer last season with 19, took a pass from Dane Richards and fired past Galaxy keeper Steve Cronin with 12 minutes left.
Galaxy had equalized a minute earlier through Alan Gordon.
South African Danleigh Borman had opened the scoring in the 21st minute, his first professional goal putting New York 1-0 up.
Borman's goal came from a rebound, after Red Bulls' teenage star Jozy Altidore had a shot blocked by Cronin. 
The Red Bulls blotted out Galaxy forward Landon Donovan,but defender Kevin Goldthwaite was booked in the 75th minute after bringing Donovan down from behind.
Beckham's free kick into the penalty area, was cleared by Luke Sassano and another Beckham kick in the 60th minute was punched away by Red Bulls keeper Jon Conway.
Beckham's 67th booking was for a challenge on Dave van den Bergh - the yellow card provoking a storm of boos from the crowd at the Home Depot Center

May 10, 2008
Attention David Beckham Lovers! Sharpie Spot to Give Good Look
David Beckham has been tapped by Sharpie and will appear in a new commercial for the pen maker airing July 15. Press information says the spot "shows Beckham using a Sharpie to autograph a variety of unusual items for fans, but when the time comes to return the Sharpie to its owner, Beckham resists. Ultimately, his quick moves and clever thinking lead to a happy ending, but in the process, viewers get a good laugh - and a good look at Beckham." 

May 9, 2008
George Clooney hits it off with Posh and Becks
It was certainly a friendship formed in heaven, literally so, as George Clooney and Victoria and David Beckham clicked like a house on fire while travelling together in a private plane to New York.
The trio hit it off instantly while they were heading New York in Giorgio Armani's private jet to attend the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute Gala, the Oscars of the fashion world.
The Jet had to make a transit at Utah, as David had to play for LA Galaxy and then the plane again took off taking the threesome, who had a riot on the rest of the journey, keeping them company were Cristal champagne on ice and free mini-bar. 
"George was only recently introduced to the Beckhams but they hit it off straight away. He totally digs Victoria's dry, very British sense of humour and gets her jokes, which a lot of Americans don't. They went out for dinner the evening before their flight but the trio really bonded on the plane, swapping gossip and doing hilarious impressions," The Mirror quoted a source, as saying.
After touching the ground, the airborne friends were driven to the Met for the glammest night of the showbiz calendar, after which the trio went clubbing at Bungalow 8.
George Clooney is the latest A-list star to join the Beckham club. The Beckhams have been attracting stars ever since they have shifted base to US. Firstly it was Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, next was Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria and Will Smith, then Kate Beckinsale and Gwen Stefani. 

May 8, 2008
Reality show to find next Beckham or Ronaldo
A new reality television show along the lines of hit singing series American Idol is to be launched to find the next global football superstar. 
Titled "SportStar Football," the show will be a worldwide hunt for the next big thing in soccer, organisers said Thursday.
The concept is the brainchild of David Edwards, who was behind "RockStar: INXS," the search for a new lead singer for the Australian band whose former frontman Michael Hutchence committed suicide.
ESPN STAR Sports and Imagine OmniMedia will work together to develop, produce and broadcast what they tout as the first reality-based football entertainment series in Asia.
"We are committed to serving our fans by providing them unique opportunities to engage with their favourite sports across platforms," said ESPN STAR Sports managing director Manu Sawhney.
"With this interactive and entertaining initiative, football fans will have a lot more to look forward to in days to come."
No details of a launch date, nor how the series would be structured, were announced.

May 7, 2008
Gallery Update
Added 52 new HQ's of David and Victoria at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala, May 5 2008. Go to The Gallery to see the whole set which now includes 66 high quality pics.

Beckham backs Sir Bobby's fund
Superstar David Beckham is the latest celebrity to back Sir Bobby Robson’s cancer research foundation.
The LA Galaxy winger is helping create the auction prize of a lifetime for one lucky fan to meet him and see his team play in the States.
It comes ahead of a fundraising gala dinner at St James’s Park on Friday in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
The appeal, to fund the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre in Newcastle, has now hit L400,000 – L100,000 shy of his target.
Sir Bobby, 75, said: “I have great respect for David, both for his achievements on the pitch and the way he conducts himself off it.
"His kind offer of support will, I’m sure, prove to be one of the most popular auction prizes on Friday. Much more popular than dinner with me, which is one of the other prizes on offer!"
"To have raised this much money in just five weeks is unbelievable. There have been some big donations that have really helped bump up the total but the amount of smaller donations has really touched me."

May 6, 2008
The Beckhams arrive at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala, May 5 2008. Cick on thumbnails to see the previews and go to the Gallery to see the whole set

Beckham MLS Player of the Week again
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham was voted Major League Soccer's Player of the Week Monday for the second time this season.
Beckham led the Galaxy back from a two-goal deficit on the road against Real Salt Lake Saturday, scoring two goals in a four-minute span. He helped the Galaxy stay within one point of the top of the Western Conference with a 2-2-2 record. 
"I'm like a little kid every time a free kick is given on the edge of the box," Beckham said. "The excitement comes into myself and most of the time I can score them." 
It was fourth time in six weeks a Galaxy player has won the award. Beckham previously won in Week 2 and teammate Landon Donovan won in Weeks 4 and 5. 

May 5, 2008
Beckham urges Man Utd to win Champions League for Scholes 
LA Galaxy star David Beckham hopes Manchester United win the Champions League for his former teammate Paul Scholes. 
Beckham said: "I hope they go all the way just for Paul Scholes because he missed out on the first Champions League final we won in 1999.
"I remember how upset he was when he missed out last time and it would be nice to think he could lay that one to rest finally.
"It would be fitting given what he has achieved and the years of service he has given to United." 

May 4, 2008
David Beckham scores two goals as Galaxy tie Real Salt Lake 2-2 
Beckham has his bend back. 
David Beckham scored twice on his trademark long, curving kicks and rallied the Los Angeles Galaxy to a 2-2 tie against Real Salt Lake on Saturday. 
Beckham worked on his kicks after practice several times last week because he had been off target too often. He regained his touch Saturday. 
"Sometimes it works. Sometimes it don't. Tonight they did," he said. 
The first was from about 25 yards, where Beckham took a bouncing pass and had enough time to control the ball and rear back for a kick that curved around the defence and past Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando inside the far post. 
The second goal didn't have quite the arc of the first, but thrilled fans just as much because they could see this one coming. The Galaxy got a free kick from 29 yards out in the middle of the field, where Beckham prepared as Real tried to set up a defence for the shot. 
There was little they could do to stop this one. Beckham kicked another bender inside the left post and past Rimando, who once again couldn't dive quite far enough to stop it. Rimando did save Salt Lake at the end when he stopped Landon Donovan on a point-blank header late in the second half. 
Donovan had eight goals in the first five games for the Galaxy (2-2-2). 
"It was obviously my turn to score the goals tonight instead of Landon," Beckham said. 
Fabian Espindola and Kenny Deuchar scored early in the first half for Real Salt Lake (1-3-2). 
Beckham scored in the 36th minute and 40th minute, tying the game after Real had taken a 2-0 lead. He came close to a third goal, but got upended before he could get off a shot toward the open net in the second half, which the Galaxy controlled after falling behind 2-0 early in the first half. 
The last time Beckham played in this stadium was August 2006 in an exhibition when he was still with Real Madrid. His return Saturday drew a crowd of 25,500, the third-largest in Real Salt Lake history. The only bigger crowds were for the Madrid game and to see a doubleheader with the U.S. national team against Costa Rica in 2005. 
The fans were basically cheering for the home team - and Beckham. 
"I thought we had a fantastic crowd and I think we disappointed that crowd," Real coach Jason Kreis said. 
Beckham, on the other hand, did not disappoint. After the post-game handshake, he took off his jersey and handed it to one very ecstatic teenage girl in the front row, then waved to the rest of the fans as he trotted off the field. 
He wasn't the only star for Los Angeles. Goalkeeper Steve Cronin knocked away some tough shots to preserve the draw and finished with five saves. Although Donovan didn't score, he was in position a few times and got an assist on Beckham's first goal. 
Real had an opportunity to win in front of one of the biggest crowds they're going to see this year, but couldn't hang on. 
"It's disappointing to lose a two-goal lead," Deuchar said. "We've got to be more ruthless." 

May 3, 2008
David and Victoria arriving at The Ivy Restaurant in Santa Monica to celebrate David's 33th birthday , May 1 2008. Cick on thumbnail to see the preview and go to the Gallery to see the whole set

David & Victoria to appear on Oprah 
David and Victoria are set to appear on Oprah Show on Moday. Don't miss it !

Real Salt Lake: New stadium impresses Beckham
David Beckham, then a member of Real Madrid, put one of the first shovels in the ground at Real Salt Lake's stadium site in Sandy 21 months ago.
With the stadium now 70 percent complete and on schedule for an early October opening, Beckham made his second-ever appearance in Sandy during Friday's stadium press conference and was pleased with what he saw.
"I'm very proud to be here, very proud to be representing the Galaxy," said the L.A. midfielder, who celebrated his 33rd birthday on Friday. "I'm very proud to be here two years after when I first heard the plans and saw what was going to be built. It looked special then and it looks even more special now.
"You've got a passionate team and a very passionate manager that will make this stadium proud," he said.
Friday's press conference was not only a chance to introduce Beckham to the local media, but former RSL player Chris Klein was also on hand to talk to the media as was MLS commissioner Don Garber — who was given a guided tour of the stadium by RSL owner Dave Checketts afterward.
"The last 13 years we've rapidly been developing our country into one that can stand tall with all other soccer or football nations throughout the world," said Garber. "Part of what's been driving this success is the work and commitment of visionary people ... Dave Checketts is a great example of that."
Real Salt Lake hosts the L.A. Galaxy at 7 p.m. tonight at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Not surprisingly, the bulk of Friday's press conference involved a Q&A with Beckham and local reporters.
Looking back on his injury-plagued first season in MLS last summer, Beckham admits he probably never should've played at about 50 percent fitness. He's feeling much better a year later and believes it's making a difference on the pitch.
"Coming in this season I'm a lot happier, a lot fitter," he said. "I've been able to get on the field with the guys in training and that helps in match situations. So far I'm enjoying it."
It's been easy for Beckham to settle into things in Southern California with four straight home games in April, but he says he's looking forward to hitting the road beginning tonight.
"It's always nice going to opposing stadiums, because you have that banter of the fans that like to abuse in a certain way and that's always nice ... that's part of soccer and that's what makes it so interesting for people to watch around the world," said Beckham.
Asked about the expectations surrounding him in MLS, Beckham said they're entirely justified. By playing for European super clubs Manchester United and Real Madrid, he knows he's set the bar high for himself and hopes to continue to elevate his game in Major League Soccer.
"I know I'm in the limelight and it's about controlling that. At the end of the day it's most important what I do on the field," said Beckham.

May 2, 2008
Happy 33th Birthday David !

Happy Birthday, Special Treasure

God gave a gift to the world when you were born  
a person who loves, who cares,
who sees a person’s need and fills it,
who encourages and lifts people up,
who spends energy on others
rather than herself,
someone who touches each life she enters,
and makes a difference in the world,
because ripples of kindness flow outward
as each person you have touched, touches others.
Your birthday deserves to be a national holiday,
because you are a special treasure
for all that you’ve done.
May the love you have shown to others
return to you, multiplied.
I wish you the happiest of birthdays,
and many, many more,
so that others have time to appreciate you
as much as I do.
Happy 33th birthday !

May 1, 2008
David and Victoria Beckham enjoy a private tour of a winery in Napa Valley, April 29 2008. Cick on thumbnail to see the preview and go to the Gallery to see the whole set.

April 30, 2008
Only Beckham's first birthday !
Today Only Beckham.com celebrates its first year online ! Thanks to all the visitors for your support and of course for visiting the site ! I really appreciate it :)

Beckham to appear in Sesame Street
Soccer ace David Beckham is to follow in the footsteps of Robert De Niro, Jamie Foxx and James Blunt and appear in legendary kids TV show Sesame Street.
The LA Galaxy player filmed a cameo role in the show, teaching a new word to fluffy red host Elmo, last week.
A source tells British newspaper The Sun, "David has always been a huge fan of the show. He was more than happy to go on. He had a great time filming. A real laugh."

Gallery Update
Added pics of David and Victoria from Dave Gardner's wedding. 14 July 2003 & pics from Real Madrid vs Zaragoza game 6 November 2005, Madrid.  Click on thumbnails to see the previews and go to the Gallery to see the whole sets.

April 28, 2008
Possible legal fight over David Beckham shirt
Football star David Beckham has landed in the middle of messy legal battle between two young boys, after he gave away his shirt at a game in Hawaii.
The English Los Angeles Galaxy star approached the youngsters, aged nine and 10, following an exhibition match at Honolulu's Aloha Stadium April 23rd and handed over his sweaty kit.
The pair's parents are now squabbling over who should keep the shirt and are threatening legal action against each other.
Stunned L.A. Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas says, "My suggestion is that the judge get a pair of scissors, cut the thing in half and give half to each." 

April 27, 2008
David Beckham takes his sons Brooklyn and Romeo to the Lakers game at the Staples Center in LA,CA - April 20 2008.  Click on thumbnail to see the preview and go to the Gallery to see the whole set.

Beckham delighted with first LA derby win
David Beckham was delighted to taste derby victory for the first time since moving to Major League Soccer after his Los Angeles Galaxy beat Chivas USA 5-2 on Saturday.
The midfielder helped LA avenge two heavy defeats to the same opponents last season and saw his side climb to an overall record of 2-2-1 and second place in the Western Conference.
'It was a very good team performance against a good opponent,' he said.
'It is always very satisfying to win a derby game because of what it means to the club and the fans. It could be the best night I have had since I came over here. I am delighted for everyone at the Galaxy and my team mates.'
Last year Beckham played in a 3-0 defeat to Chivas, ending the game almost out on his feet following an exhausting return trip from international duty with England.
He came through this contest with no injury concerns, though, and a Landon Donovan hat-trick and two goals from Alan Gordon sealed the win for Los Angeles. Sacha Kljestan and Ante Razov got the goals for Chivas. 

April 26, 2008
Gallery Update
Added 2 new rare sets of pics. First one is from launching clothes range at Marcs & Spencer from September 19 2002 in Manchester and the second, from reception for FA at Buckingham Palace from 19 November 2002. Click on thumbnails to see the previews and go to the Gallery to see the whole sets.

April 25, 2008
David Beckham could play in 2010 World Cup, insists Fabio Capello
England Coach Fabio Capello believes David Beckham could play again for his country at the 2010 World Cup.
Capello said the Galaxy midfielder could be called up for the tournament in South Africa, if he maintains his fitness. Beckham would be 35 by then.
"The door is open. He played the last game, and did well against France," Capello was quoted as saying by sports newspaper Marca today. "It depends. There are players who at 33 or 34 take good care of themselves, they understand that the body is not as it was and they take more care. It depends a lot on that."
Beckham made his 100th international appearance in a 1-0 exhibition loss to France last month. Capello said he regularly travels to the United States to keep an eye on the former Manchester United player.
Beckham helped guide Real Madrid to a record 30th Spanish league trophy last year under Capello. But Capello isn't looking ahead to the World Cup just yet after England failed to qualify for this summer's European Championships.
"I think we have a good team, but we have to work a little so that everyone understands what I want," Capello said. "We are not thinking about that [the World Cup] at the moment, we have to go step by step." 

April 24, 2008
Another baby for David and Victoria soon ? 
David Beckham has admitted that he is trying to have a fourth child with his wife Victoria.
The footballer described his relationship with Victoria as "family oriented" and revealed that they have always wanted "a big family".
Speaking on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, he said: "We're very family oriented so we always wanted a big family, which was weird because when we first got together we never even discussed how many children we wanted.
"But it's worked out that we want a big family and we love kids so it's worked out perfect."
When asked by the chatshow host if he would like a daughter, Beckham replied: "We're working on it."
The Beckhams already have three children, Brooklyn, 9, Romeo, 5, and Cruz, 3

April 23, 2008
New note on David's blog
TUESDAY APR 22
Hi everyone,

I hope you are well?

I was pleased with the draw on Saturday against Houston Dynamo considering the way we started the game. We had no fight in the first half; no urgency at all and everything we did was slow. At half time a few words were said in the changing room and we came out a different team in the second half. It shows that there is plenty of fight within the team, which bodes well for the future if we can play at the level we did in the second half for the rest of the season and turn draws into wins. For me, personally, it was also nice to get a couple more assists. It’s great to play with intelligent players, who know when to make runs and know where the ball is going to be. My game is all about assists, so it was great to get two more and for Landon Donovan to score them. 
Good luck to Manchester United, who play Barcelona in the champions league semi-final tonight. The matches between the two teams in the past have always produced great football and I was lucky enough to play in a couple, when United won the Champions League in 1999. I think that United will feel they can win this over the two legs, but Barcelona are also a great team, so both games should be amazing. I’m going to go for United though as they’re the team I support. 

That’s all for now.

Take care, 

David

April 22, 2008
David Beckham, Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes attend Victoria's California birthday bash
Victoria Beckham celebrated her 34th birthday in style with half of Hollywood turning out to wish her many happy returns. 
Posh Spice and her footballer husband David threw a party at upmarket Italian restaurant Via Veneto in Santa Monica, California, on Sunday night.
The pair wore coordinating monochrome outfits, Victoria in a white strapless dress with a black floral motif and David in a checked suit. 
Katie Holmes was there with husband Tom Cruise, scotching rumours that the friendship between the two women has cooled. 
They both wore sunglasses - it was night-time and pitch dark, but this is Hollywood - and Holmes looked glamorous in a Sixties-style gold shift dress. Victoria has reportedly been giving the actress style tips.
The evening was a real couples' affair. 
Other celebrities on the invite list included Sir Elton John and partner David Furnish, Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett, singers Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, and Victoria's new friend Kate Beckinsale with her husband Len Wiseman. 
Supermodel Heidi Klum, rap star P Diddy and Desperate Housewives actress Eva Longoria were also in attendance. 
This was Victoria's second birthday celebration - she turned 34 on Thursday and had a family meal at a cheap and cheerful Mexican restaurant with David and the couple's three children, Brooklyn, nine, Romeo, five, and Cruz, three. 
Last night's party was also an early birthday bash for David, whose 32nd birthday falls on May 2. 
Stefani arrived at the restaurant bearing two large gifts and a birthday card addressed to "D & V". 
Since arriving in Los Angeles last summer, when David signed a $250 million contract with LA Galaxy, the Beckhams have found themselves feted by the Hollywood glitterati.
Pics from this event added to the Gallery yesterday :)

April 21, 2008
Gallery Update part II
David & Victoria  Beckham leaving Vic's 34thbirthday party at Via Veneto Italian restaurant in Santa Monica, CA - April 20 2008 & The Beckhams watching their kids ice skating in Los Angeles, CA - April 19  2008. Click on thumbnails to see the preview and go to the Gallery to see the whole sets.

Gallery Update
David and Victoria  Beckham with their children at Pink Taco restaurant to celebrate her birthday - April 17 2008. Click on thumbnails to see the preview and go to the Gallery to see the whole set.

April 20, 2008
Gallery Update
Added 3 rare sets of David's pics. 
1. England football captain David Beckham stands with his wife Victoria, as he shows off the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) he received from Britain's Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on November 27, 2003 in London
2. David Beckham during during the soccer game Real Madrid vs Getafe of the Spanish League in the Bernabeu Stadium of Madrid in Spain December 3 2005
3.  David Beckham in action during the Spanish match between Real Madrid and Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain April 23 2006.
Click on thumbnails to see the previews and go to the Gallery to see the whole sets.

Beckham makes presence felt in Galaxy's football draw 
Landon Donovan took full advantage of precise passes from teammate David Beckham to score a brace of second-half goals in the Los Angeles Galaxy's 2-2 draw with Houston in a Major League Soccer contest. 
Thanks to the Beckham-Donovan combination, the Galaxy were able to overcome two one-goal deficits and emerge with the draw on Saturday.
Los Angeles trailed 2-1 late in the game when Beckham fired a crisp cross to a sliding Donovan, who fired into the open side of the goal in the 84th minute. It was Donovan's fifth goal of the young season.
Donovan had knotted the score at 1-1 in the 67th minute with a diving header off a perfect cross from Beckham, the England midfielder who arrived in the States to great fanfare last year.
Hindered by injury last season, Beckham is now playing his first full campaign for the Galaxy.
"I've always said my game is about getting assists. It was great for Landon (Donovan) to get two goals," Beckham told the Associated Press.
He smiled and added, "Goal scorers want to score, so it's good to make them go home happy."

David Beckham's dad speaks of his reunion with son
Speaking for the first time since a heart attack that almost killed him, the father of soccer ace David Beckham has revealed how he reunited with his son.
Speaking of his close bond with the family, Ted Beckham reckons that the Golden brawls are now finally over. 
"I can ring David any time. We've now got a good father/son relationship and I'm very proud of him," News of the World quoted Ted, as saying. 
The father son relationship turned sour back in 2001 when Ted split with the footballer's mother mum Sandra-and Becks blamed him for it. 
The bitterness in the relationship intensified even more when Ted wrote a book, which included deeply personal revelations about David's youth and private chats he had about quitting football after the strain of Euro 2000. 
However, last year everything resolved when Ted suffered a heart attack.
He almost died in the ambulance on the way to hospital and needed emergency surgery. 
On hearing the news, David forgot everything and rushed from LA to be by his father's side, a move that recovered their relationship.
"We've had our ups and downs. But deep down, it's a very strong bond between me and David," Ted said. 


April 19, 2008
Gallery Update
Added 11 HQ's from Audi presentation from April 24 2006. Click on thumbnails to see the preview and go to the Gallery to see the whole set. Tomorrow I'll add at least 2 new rare sets so be back to check them out ! :)

Beckham says L.A. Galaxy not ready for exams
Staffordshire University in England revealed this week that students will study David Beckham as part of a course subject.
It's too bad the students were not able to hear Beckham speak Friday, because he offered some worthwhile lecture points to those studying the Galaxy's 1-2 start this season.
"At the end of the day, people expect us to win every game, 10-0," Beckham said. "That's not going to happen. There's going to be great games and bad games. It's going to be one of those seasons.
"We have got a young team and are learning to play together."
This being Los Angeles, along with the fact Beckham is a worldwide superstar and makes about $4 million more than the next player, there's no escaping great expectations. And that leads to disappointment if there are "bad games" as Beckham suggested.
"We are only three games into the season," Beckham said. "I always got frustrated in games (we lost) whether it was Manchester United, Real Madrid, England or the Galaxy."
What makes the start ominous is the Galaxy already played a first-year franchise (San Jose) and a second-year franchise (Toronto FC), so the schedule gets tougher tonight when L.A. hosts defending MLS Cup champion Houston at Home Depot Center.
Beckham remains confident but said he will not deliver any fiery speeches for his teammates.
"I've always been a player that doesn't shout or scream," he said. "You work hard and people follow that. That's what I did when I was England captain."

April 18, 2008
Gallery Update
Added more HQ pics from Victoria's early 34th birthday celebration & also HQ's of David and his sons at La Lakers game from April 11 2008. Click on thumbnails to see the preview and go to the Gallery to see the whole sets.

April 17, 2008
David & Victoria with Kate Beckinsale and Eva Longoria leaving  Hollywood restaurant Beso last night after Victoria's early 34th birthday celebration. Click on thumbnail to see the preview and go to the Gallery to see the whole set.

David Beckham attends the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles (April 15 2008)

Beckhams return to Tussauds
Victoria and David Beckham waxworks have returned to Madame Tussauds after a month's absence.
The figures of the celebrity couple have both had a makeover to resemble the latest looks of their real-life counterparts.
Victoria, who is celebrating her birthday, sports sleek new hair, a figure-hugging red dress, 3.5in heels and trademark oversized shades.
David has closely cropped hair and is dressed in a funky black suit and tie.
They previously sported evening wear, with Victoria in a Roberto Cavalli outfit, and both wore longer hair.
A Madame Tussauds spokesman said: "The couple are amongst the most popular stars at the attraction and their return will delight guests who have missed their stylish presence."

April 16, 2008
Gallery Update
Added 2 rare pics of David & Victoria from London Fashion Week back in 1999. Click on thumbnail to see the preview and go to the Gallery to see the whole set.

Cruise, Beckham plan soccer team purchase?
David Beckham & Tom Cruise plan to purchase football team, the Daily Express claims.
The England international and the Hollywood star are reportedly interested in owning a club together but haven't decided whether it will be in the UK or US.
A source revealed: "David has often spoken of his desire to concentrate on his youth football academies rather than a career in management when he retires from the game.
"Perhaps a high profile soccer venture with a Hollywood superstar would also give him back some of the credibility he surely feels he lost after leaving prestigious Real Madrid for a megabucks deal in the US."
Beckham moved to US club LA Galaxy last year in a deal reported to be worth L126 million ($250 million). 

Snoop Dogg praises Beckham
Snoop Dogg says David Beckham helped "enlighten" his three children.
The 'Sensual Seduction' singer asked David to teach his children Corde, Cordell and Cori how to play soccer, and revealed the experience worked out very well. 
He said: "David and I hang out a lot. I think he's cool. I asked him to teach my kids how to play soccer - and he invited them over to his academy. 
"My eldest son Corde didn't even believe I knew him. He's the best in the game and he helped enlighten my kids on a different sport." Snoop also revealed he regularly studies dictionaries to expand his understanding of the English language. 
He added: "I have about three thesauruses. I bought them to enhance my train of thought so when I'm on TV, people will say, 'He is sharp and articulate. He is not just a thug.' 
" Earlier this year, it was reported David was set to rap on Snoop's upcoming record. The pair are also said to be planning to release a range of slippers. 

April 15, 2008
David Beckham degree at Staffordshire
Students of Sport, Media and Culture at Staffordshire University are fortunate enough to study no less a weighty subject as David Beckham as part of their degree course. 
Not the "wit and wisdom of", more the "haircuts and marriage of". 
Professor Ellis Cashmore (this would be classic April fool material if the dates tallied, but the education system of this country really is this crazy) said: "We will be examining the rise of football from its folk origins in the 17th century to the central place it occupies in British culture. 
We do have to concede that Beckham occupies a lot of our attention today. He's the object of a great many fantasies." Well, on that basis so is Philippe Senderos - that he will put in a transfer request being chief among them.

April 14, 2008
David Beckham's Galaxy beaten by Toronto
David Beckham suffered a frustrating afternoon as the Los Angeles Galaxy slumped to a 3-2 home defeat against Major League Soccer strugglers Toronto FC on Sunday. 
The England midfielder was unable to prevent his team from dropping their first home points of the season, despite twice fighting back from a goal behind. 
Beckham played all 90 minutes and helped to win the 57th minute penalty that Landon Donovan converted for the Galaxy's second equaliser, when his attempted cross was handled by Toronto's Carl Robinson. 
Earlier, Danny Dichio put the Canadian side ahead on 42 minutes, only for Donovan to level the scores a minute later. Jarrod Smith got Toronto back into the lead after 53 minutes and Jeff Cunningham secured the points with a breakaway goal with three minutes left. 

Gallery Update
The Beckhams arriving at the Ivy Restaurant to meet celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay to plan the World Cup dinner at Beckingham Palace, 25 April 2006 & The Beckhams leaving Zuma restaurant in Knightsbridge, where they spent three hours with Gordon Ramsey and his wife, leaving at 12.30am, 27 December 2006. Click on thumbnails to see the previews and go to the Gallery to see the whole sets.

April 13, 2008
Added 2 new rare sets of pics to the Gallery.
Footballer David Beckham signs copies of his autobiography "My Side" at Waterstone's Piccadilly, on November 17, 2003 in London & David Beckham with Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce at Pepsi launch, on February 23 2005 in Madrid, Spain.  Click on thumbnails to see the previews and go to the Gallery to see the whole sets. 

David Beckham meets one of his biggest fans at basketball game
His skills on the pitch have made his a giant of football and an icon across the world. And this week, David Beckham met a giant of the basketball world.
Enjoying a night out watching the Los Angeles Lakers with wife Victoria, David – who stands an impressive 5ft 11ins - found himself dwarfed by 7ft player Didier Ilunga Mbenga when the basketball star came over to introduce himself.
Dressed casually in a navy blue shirt and jeans, the LA Galaxy star player, who has become a big fan of the Lakers, sat in coveted ringside seats to enjoy the match. Victoria, who wore a black sleeveless shirt and jeans with her trademark heels, took the opportunity of a night without the children to cuddle up to her husband as they watched the Lakers beat local rivals the LA Clippers.
"David and Victoria looked completely loved-up and couldn't keep their hands off each other," the Daily Mirror reported an onlooker saying. 

Beckham says preseason training is paying off
After two games, it seems driving in America is tougher on David Beckham than playing for the Galaxy. 
The midfielder received a traffic ticket in Hollywood last week, about the only bump in the road entering today's game against Toronto FC at noon at Home Depot Center. 
His game certainly looked smoother in the Galaxy's 2-0 victory over San Jose last week. Part of the improvement for Beckham was joining the Galaxy in training camp instead of midway through the season, like he did last year after playing for Real Madrid. 
"I'm 100 percent because I had a good preseason," Beckham said. "Last year I was 50 percent. Last year I wasn't even training during the week and I was playing in games. I would never do it again." 
Beckham at 50 percent might be good enough to beat lowly Toronto (0-2), which has already allowed six goals this season and scored just one goal. 
A lowly opponent might be just what some members of the Galaxy need, especially forward Alan Gordon, who drew the wrath of the opening-night crowd for missing out on a scoring opportunity. 
"These fans kind of got on me for missing a goal," Gordon said. "They're tough sometimes. I was a little unlucky." 
Although Gordon was not the fan favorite, Galaxy coach Ruud Gullit said he was one of the best players against San Jose. 

April 12, 2008
Coppermine Gallery finally launched !
The Only Beckham Coppermine Gallery is finally online ! I'll be adding David's pics from varous appearances, matches, photoshoots, candids and more. You can expect a lot of rare and unseen pics. The first rare set of photos is from David's official presentation as new player of the Real Madrid Football Club. July 02, 2003 at Raimundo Saporta Stadium in Madrid, Spain. You can access the Gallery by clicking on the banner below or by clicking on Gallery in main menu. Enjoy ! Domi, thanks for coding the layout and help ! 

April 11, 2008
David and Victoria Beckham - Los Angeles Lakers play the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of their NBA basketball game. 10 April 2008, Staples Center

April 10, 2008
David to appear on Ellen Show
Here's just another daily reminder that you are one day closer to international soccer superstar David Beckham's first appearance on Ellen! This is the only first appearance David will ever be making on Ellen's show, so make sure you don't miss it. Mark in calendars the date April 24th :D

April 8, 2008
David Beckham is world's highest-paid player
David Beckham has overtaken Ronaldinho to regain the title of soccer's highest-paid player in France Football magazine's annual survey.
Beckham's earnings from salary and endorsements soared 82 percent to L24.7 million following his move to Los Angeles Galaxy from Real Madrid.
It means that he also moves above the Brazilian from last year's France Football survey.
Ronaldinho's income was unchanged at L19.2 million, while he also reclaimed the position he held for three years up through 2005. 
He currently has a $5.5 million base salary, although this figure could rise to as much as $250 million over the course of five years with endorsements and profit sharing, according to LAGalaxy.
Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo climbed to third and fourth respectively, with income of L18.3 million and L15.5 million.
Messi is also one of the stand-out names on the list - he is the youngest by some distance in the top 10 as he celebrates his 21st birthday in June.
Jose Mourinho remains the top-paid manager, even though he is currently on gardening leave in Portugal with earnings of L23.1 million.
England coach Fabio Capello is the next, with L11.3 million, followed by Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, who gets L5.9 million.
The last time Beckham topped France Football's survey, the England midfielder was worth L17 million with Brazil's Ronaldo in second place with L13.3 million. Others on the list three years ago included Christian Vieiri, Alessandro Del Piero and Luis Figo, who was tenth with L5.7 million.
According to figures published in a blog last week, Ricardo Kaka was the highest paid footballer - topping the list with L143,438 per week, or just under L7.5m a year.
Manchester United's Ronaldo's weekly wage was listed at over L20,000 less on L122,400.

April 6, 2008
David Beckham gives £8m home to in-laws
Big-hearted David Beckham is gifting his £8million Dubai mansion to wife Victoria's parents. 
The England soccer star has handed the keys to the waterfront villa—set on an exclusive palm-shaped artificial island—to delighted in-laws Tony and Jackie Adams. 
Becks bought the property in 2002 for £800,000. But since then its value has rocketed as Dubai has taken off as a holiday destination. 
Although he and Posh will still own the mansion, they have told Tony, 61, and Jackie, 59, to decorate it to their liking—and are allowing them to spend as much time as they want in the stunning home. 
A source close to the 32-year-old player, who is now with American side LA Galaxy, revealed: "David realised he was not going to be able to spend any time in Dubai. 
"He's got his commitments in Los Angeles and it's a long trip, especially when he still has to spend a lot of time in London. 
"So he discussed it with Victoria and decided that the Dubai place would be a really special present for her parents. They've done so much for the family already and are involved in all of David and Victoria's ventures anyway. 
"He trusts them completely and knows the property will be in very safe hands. He still retains legal ownership, but on a day-to-day basis it's to become their place. 
"He's a practical guy and thinks there's no reason to have an amazing house sitting empty. 
"David and Victoria have told them they might visit once or twice a year for some family time, although at the moment that seems quite unlikely because they're so busy." 
The gift could be viewed as a snub to David's divorced parents, Ted and Sandra, who have had a more rocky relationship with the couple in recent years. 
But the Beckham insider said: "All of David's family will be allowed access to the house if they want it. They'd just have to sort out a time with Tony and Jackie. 
"David is a family man. He loves his parents and he'd never want to cut them out." 
Becks purchased the luxury home within the prestigious Palm Jumeirah estate after a visit to the Gulf state before the 2002 World Cup. 
A number of other England stars—including David's best friend Gary Neville, Michael Owen, David James and Joe Cole—have also bought properties on the development. 

April 4, 2008
David Beckham scores season's first goal in Galaxy's 2-0 win over Earthquakes
David Beckham scored his first goal in a Major League Soccer game and assisted on another to help the Los Angeles Galaxy win their home opener, 2-0 over the expansion San Jose Earthquakes on Thursday night.
Beckham took a pass from Landon Donovan at the top of the box in the ninth minute, and fired the ball into the back of the net.
Donovan, the Galaxy's biggest pre-Beckham star, added his own goal from virtually the same spot late in the first half, off an assist from Beckham.
The Galaxy beat their former coach Frank Yallop, whose Earthquakes returned to MLS after a two-year absence. The team's previous incarnation became the Houston Dynamo.
Los Angeles was embarrassed in a 4-0 loss at Colorado in Saturday's season opener.
That defeat, last year's losing season and the waning novelty of Beckham's presence gave Thursday night's game an extra sense of early season urgency. The Galaxy brought in former Dutch World Cup star Ruud Gullit to succeed Yallop in an attempt to turn the pomp and press that Beckham's arrival brought into wins.
It didn't take long for Gullit to see his first goal in Los Angeles.
Beckham took a perfect pass from Donovan on his left and scored on an 18-yarder from the right side with 8:16 expired.
Beckham had scored one previous goal for the Galaxy, on a free kick in a Superliga game against D.C. United on Aug. 15.
Donovan's goal, which came in the 37th minute from nearly the same spot, sailed into an empty net after goalkeeper Joe Cannon had charged forward.
San Jose had appeared to start the scoring with a goal in the third minute, but was called for offsides.
Galaxy goalkeeper Steve Cronin kept the net empty after that for his first career shutout.
The Galaxy had several breakaway chances in the second half, but failed to score again.

April 3, 2008
Real Madrid count cost of David Beckham exit
David Beckham's switch to Major League Soccer is thought to have plunged Real Madrid into financial trouble.
The Spanish giants, who were named as the world's richest club by accountancy firm Deloitte earlier this year, have reportedly asked one of Spain's biggest banks for an emergency loan of €30 million (roughly £23m) to cover running costs.
That is according to Spanish newspaper El Mundo which claims that directors have been asked to raise additional funds following their financial plight.
Part of Real's difficulties are thought to have been because of their early exit from the Champions League for the past two seasons, but Beckham's move to LA Galaxy has also stung the club.
The departure of the world's most marketable player is thought to have cost the club in the region of up to £30m following a study carried out by the University of Catalonia.
Despite their recent difficulties, Real Madrid are unlikely to feel the pinch for too long with pre-tax profits of nearly £30m revealed last year and a turnover of roughly £250m.
Beckham's arrival in America, meanwhile, has led to rival MLS clubs pursuing fellow top-name European stars.
Seattle, who will make their MLS debut next season are lining up a move for Barcelona striker Thierry Henry and are reportedly ready to tempt the Frenchman with a £150,000-a-week deal, say the Sun.
Henry has more than three years left on his contract at the Nou Camp but Seattle have identified the former Arsenal striker as the player who could rival Beckham as the face of US football.

Beckham's Mom Unimpressed with Armani Underwear Shot
English soccer ace David Beckham was terrified by his mom's reaction to his underwear modeling campaign for fashion house Emporio Armani.
The 32-year-old star appeared in the sexy black-and-white promo shots for the label in December last year, which saw Beckham posing in briefs with his legs apart.
And Beckham admitted to TV talk show host Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show" on Tuesday that his mother wasn't too pleased with the provocative photographs.
He told Leno, "When the photos came out, she was the first one to call me and say, 'What are you doing?' I had to try and explain it to her and it didn't go down that well." 

April 2, 2008
David Beckham visits 'Tonight Show' 
David Beckham got to know one of his neighbors on national television Tuesday. Since moving to Los Angeles to play for the Galaxy, Beckham has lived in the same neighborhood as Jay Leno, and on "The Tonight Show" Tuesday the men traded jokes about driving themselves places and life with a constant paparazzi presence. 
Beckham apologized for the paparazzi hanging around the neighborhood, but also said American celebrity photographers "have been kind to us" compared to those across the pond.
Leno quizzed Beckham about Emporio Armani ads that feature the soccer star appearing in briefs.
"Do you normally sit around the house like this?" asked Leno.
Women in the live audience screamed and applauded the black and white photo showing Beckham's ripped stomach. However, Beckham said he was nervous during the photo shoot because his "mum" was going to see him lounging around in almost no clothing.
"When the photos came out, she was the first one to call me and say, 'What are you doing?' I had to try and explain it to her and it didn't go down that well," he said.

April 1, 2008
LA Galaxy's David Beckham to Appear on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" on Tuesday, April 1
LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham will be a guest on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on Tuesday, April 1. The show airs at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT on the NBC; check local listings for the channel in your area.
The Galaxy captain, Beckham will look to lead the Galaxy attack from the right flank this season. Healthy after missing much of the 2007 campaign, Beckham was fantastic in the preseason, scoring one and setting up three more goals and became the fifth person in England history to earn 100 caps.

March 30, 2008
Rapids rout Galaxy and David Beckham 4-0 in season opener 
Christian Gomez scored on a penalty kick and the Colorado Rapids beat David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy 4-0 on Saturday night in the season opener for both teams. 
Beckham played in his first regular-season game in Colorado since joining the Galaxy last year. Beckham flew back from Europe after playing for England against France on Wednesday.
"It's always going to be tough when you have international games," Beckham said. "I felt OK for most of the match, maybe not at my sharpest, but it was overall a tough game for us. We created chances, but didn't put them away."
Terry Cooke scored early in the game, Omar Cummings scored in the 67th minute and Colin Clark added an 80th minute goal for the Rapids.
Things got testy toward the end of the game. In the 90th minute, Galaxy defender Abel Xavier was issued a red card after tackling Ciaran O'Brien. Right after that, O'Brien's hard tackle on Carlos Ruiz earned him a red card.
"I'm finding it hard not to criticize some of the decisions tonight but I've just been told I'll be fined if I do," Beckham said. "I don't want that to happen. Referees have a tough job, but some decisions change games, and that's happened tonight."
The Rapids took the lead on Cooke's goal. Gomez had a free kick that was blocked, and John DiRaimando got the ball. His shot was off, but Gomez hit a laser off the right post, which ricocheted out too Cooke, who blasted a shot in the right corner in the 10th minute.
Colorado took a 2-0 lead on a penalty kick by Gomez in the 60th minute. Xavier was given a yellow card after taking down Gomez in the penalty box.
"He draws a lot of attention from defenders," Clark said. "They are always worried about him. It makes it a little easier for everyone else."
The Galaxy said the altitude played a part in their sluggish play, and that Gomez's goal deflated them.
"The turning point was the penalty kick," Galaxy head coach Ruud Gullit said. "That caused a little bit of chaos in our organization, and we lost our head a little bit."
Seven minutes later, Cummings got behind the Galaxy defence, put a move on Los Angeles goalie Steve Cronin and made it 3-0.
Clark finished the scoring when he manoeuvred by Xavier and beat Cronin to the short side to make it 4-0.
Beckham was integral by putting his teammates in position to tie the game three times. In the 27th minute, his free kick went to Landon Donovan at the far post, but his popped-up shot was caught by goalie Bouna Coundoul.
A minute later, Beckham had another free kick that was knocked wide, and then Beckham came down the right side alone and sent a pass across to Ely Allen, whose header attempt went wide.
"That's Beckham, that's the way he plays and that's his strength," Coundoul said. "Before the game I reviewed how he kicks them so I kind of knew where the ball would be."
The Galaxy's best chance to even the score came in the 45th minute, and again Beckham started things. His free kick from the left got to the goal mouth, but Cooke was able to control the ball before Carlos Ruiz could knock it in.

March 29, 2008
David and Victoria Beckham celebrates his 100th England game at the swanky Baccarat restaurant in Paris, France - March 26 2008.View 3 HQ pics below.

March 28, 2008
Capello sees David Beckham in Ronaldo role
Fabio Capello has given the clearest indication yet that David Beckham has a long-term future in his England side by arguing that he can perform a similar job to the one that Cristiano Ronaldo has done successfully for Manchester United.
After he completed his 100th international in Paris, there were some who imagined Beckham would be gradually eased out of the England set-up as Capello prepared for the World Cup qualification campaign. However, the England manager, reflecting on the first defeat of his reign, gave Beckham's supporters plenty of encouragement.
Capello pointed out that for the first half of Wednesday's 1-0 loss to France he had used Wayne Rooney as a lone striker, supported by Steven Gerrard, because that was precisely where each were currently playing for Manchester United and Liverpool.
However, when it was put to him that, at club level, Rooney was supported by Ronaldo, while Gerrard worked with a striker of Fernando Torres's class, Capello replied: "I have David Beckham and Rooney can be our Torres. I believe they are both good players."
Capello does not imagine that the 32-year-old former England captain, whose best work is now largely confined to dead-ball situations, can ape the game of Manchester United's highly-mobile 23-year-old but it demonstrates he is not prepared to write off a man he came to know well at Real Madrid. David Bentley, who replaced Beckham in Paris, has other ideas.
"Beckham's a great player and a great bloke but I'm here to take his place," said Bentley. "That's what I'll be trying to do. I've got to keep myself at the levels, I've got to keep myself performing and that's what I'll do. I want to play for England, he wants to play for England. It will be interesting when battle commences."
Capello also argued that he saw plenty to encourage him in the Stade de France, but he was critical of the limited number of opportunities England created with substantial periods of possession.
"We did not create enough from the wings and we didn't go into the centre," he said. "That is one of the things I told the players."
Neither Gerrard nor Rooney appeared after the interval and the substitution of John Terry appeared a body blow to the Chelsea captain, who was deemed at fault for the penalty that eventually separated the sides.
Capello stressed that nothing should be read into those changes and that they were merely to allow him a closer look at other candidates, such as Everton's Joleon Lescott.
"My interest is trying to get the team to be ready for the World Cup qualifying campaign," said Capello.
"The four substitutes at half-time, I did it because I needed to see other players playing against an important team like France."

March 27, 2008
France vs England: David Beckham's big night
What sparkle, what grace, what a flash of brilliance and touch of class amongst a backdrop of colourless ineptitude.
David Beckham desperately wanted to be the man with the golden touch on his 100th international showing but Goldenballs' golden boots were the only shining light on any otherwise turgid night for England in France.
Having warmed up in a classy white number with flashing gold stripes, Becks saved his special number for the main event. It was just a shame his twinkle toes could not match his bling. 
Into the action and Becks showed he still could make the transition from the Major League Soccer stage to the international scene by spraying the ball to all areas of the field. In fact, the 32-year-old made a total of 47 passes with an 85 per cent accuracy rating.
And for someone who talks in abundance about his passion for the game and his passion for England, he even got booked for a cheeky tug on Franck Ribery's shirt when the Frenchaman seemed to be the one with fresher legs. It was the 16th caution of his international career, overtaking Paul Ince's record in the process. What a night. 
A changing of the guard in the 63rd minute brought the curtain down on Becks' big night as DB part II took to the stage.
With both sets of fans leaping to their feet to herald the worldwide superstar and every member of Team Beckham present inside the Stade de France, Becks bowed out with his head held high.
Even Fabio Capello couldn't help but be caught up in the hullabaloo: "He played like he always does and like I know he can play. I only substituted him because I know him so well and I wanted to see someone else."
But the question on everyone's lips in wake of Becks' entry to the 100 club: Will it be a case of thank you and goodnight or will Capello and England pin their hopes on Goldenballs during the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign?
Becks, as usual, had the last word: "It is 100 not out as far as I am concerned. I spoke in the week about how honoured I would be to get to the 100-cap mark and I'm very proud."

David Beckham happy with his fitness levels
David Beckham insisted proving his fitness to Fabio Capello was "the biggest thing" after he won his 100th England cap in the single goal defeat against France in Paris. 
Capello is aware of Beckham's qualities as a player from the time the pair spent together at Real Madrid, but showing he had the stamina to last the pace still at international level was crucial for the LA Galaxy midfielder after a gruelling pre-season with his American club. 
"The most important thing for me was to prove my fitness and I felt I did that. I felt very fresh and a lot better than I thought I would," he said. "As much as you work hard in pre-season, there is nothing better than playing in games and I enjoyed it. 
"Playing under Capello before, he knows what I'm like as a player so on that side, you don't have to prove anything but proving my fitness was good. That was the biggest thing." 
Capello is convinced his England team are on the right track despite suffering the first defeat of his 10-week reign against France. The England boss saw goalkeeper David James bring down Nicolas Anelka in the first half at the Stade de France to allow Franck Ribery to score the only goal of the match. It was a carbon copy of the penalty given away by James the last time England played France at Euro 2004, except that time it was Thierry Henry who was upended. 
Capello, however, was upbeat. "I saw some very good things against a top-level team. That showed me what our worth is," he said. 
The 61-year-old Italian insisted the performance was better than when England beat Switzerland 2-1 in his first game in charge at Wembley last month. 

March 25, 2008
David Beckham will make his 100th appearance for England against France 
David Beckham will make his 100th national team appearance for England in its friendly match against France on Wednesday. 
England manager Fabio Capello said Tuesday that Beckham would play some part in the match at the Stade de France.
"He will play, I could not possibly make him come from the USA and not play him," Capello said at a news conference. "I know David Beckham and what he can give me and I think he can make the difference in some respects. I know what he can give to a team.
"As for the future, we will have to see. Nobody knows what the future holds."
Capello said he had yet to decide if the 32-year-old midfielder would start.
Beckham didn't play in Capello's first match last month because the coach decided he wasn't fit enough during the Major League Soccer off-season.
Only four other players have played 100 games or more for England - Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore, Billy Wright and Peter Shilton.
"I think every player would like to reach this target but very few manage it, so you have to give David Beckham credit, he has done really well to achieve this," Capello said.
Beckham was dropped by Capello's predecessor, Steve McClaren, after the 2006 World Cup and missed nine England matches. He was recalled a year later by McClaren following a string of poor results.

David Beckham to win 100th cap, but he won't stop until he catches legend Bobby Moore 
David Beckham last night admitted that reaching 100 caps will be the best moment of his career after fearing he would never play for England again.
Beckham was axed from Steve McClaren's first squad, but he will follow in the illustrious footsteps of Billy Wright, Bobby Moore, Sir Bobby Charlton and Peter Shilton when he reaches the milestone in France tomorrow.
The LA Galaxy midfielder, nicknamed Goldenballs by wife Victoria, made his debut against Moldova in September 1996, and will now target Moore's record for an outfield player of 108 caps.
Speaking after training in the snow yesterday at London Colney, he said: "Reaching 100 is a milestone in an Englishman's career and there aren't many who have done that. I'm very honoured to be in that company. They are players I have looked up to throughout my career, but I want to take it beyond that. I'm proud to wear my shirt and wear it for so many years. I'm very honoured by that. I'd have turned around and retired if I didn't have the desire.
"I've seen in the last couple of years the highs and the lows, but I wouldn't be here if I didn't feel I could do it physically any more.
"There are plenty of others coming through, but I feel I can offer something."
Beckham was left out of England manager Fabio Capello's first squad for the friendly against Switzerland at Wembley last month, but he has earned a recall after an outstanding pre-season with LA Galaxy.
England's general manager Franco Baldini travelled to Dallas last week to check on the player's fitness and Capello followed his recommendation to bring him back into the squad for the prestigious friendly with France.
McClaren had dropped Beckham from his first England selection in August 2006, but brought him back towards the end of the disastrous Euro 2008 qualification campaign.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder added: "Deep down I hoped it wasn't the end, but deeper down I felt I wasn't going to get the chance to play for my country again. I thought my England career was over.
"I didn't think that phone call (from McClaren) was coming. It was always in my mind to retire as captain after the 2006 World Cup, but I always felt I wouldn't be retiring from international football.
"When I had that phone call, I was shocked and I was hurt. That was probably the lowest point because I had a 14-hour flight to think about it after that.
"But I've responded in the right way."



March 23, 2008
John Terry backs Beckham for England captain
John Terry says David Beckham should captain his country if he is handed his 100th cap against France on Wednesday night.
Terry is set to link up with the England squad for the first time under Fabio Capello but remains unsure of his own future as captain.
He was England skipper under former coach Steve McClaren but irrespective of his own ambitions to continue as leader of his country, the Chelsea defender believes Beckham deserves to wear the armband if he wins his 100th cap in Paris.
Terry said: "David is a credit to himself and what he has done is exceptional. If he is going to start or come on, he fully deserves to wear that England armband.
"I am very nervous about joining up with the squad and certainly don't expect to be captain. I wish to continue as England captain and fingers crossed I can do that but if not I will respect Mr Capello's decision."
And when asked whether he thought Beckham would win his century of caps, Terry replied: "I certainly hope he will.
"He's proved his fitness and he was really disappointed not be involved in the last game.
"The whole country is hoping he gets his 100th cap, because if anyone deserves it David Beckham does."

March 22, 2008
Beckham set to learn England fate 
David Beckham will find out later on Saturday if he has made Fabio Capello's revised England squad. 
The England boss will trim his squad from 30 to 23 players at 2030 GMT. 
David Beckham won a recall to the England squad ahead of the friendly with France in Paris on 26 March and is hoping to win his 100th cap. 
LA Galaxy midfielder Beckham was omitted from Capello's first squad, for February's 2-1 friendly win over Switzerland. 
Beckham's last game for England was in the 3-2 defeat against Croatia which saw England's hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008 ended. 
Capello names his squad ahead of Sunday's games involving Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. 
David Wheater and Gabriel Agbonlahor are the only uncapped players in the squad and are hoping to earn their first England starts. 
A decision on who will captain the side is not set to be announced on Saturday. 

March 20, 2008
David Beckham returns to England squad
David Beckham has been named in Fabio Capello's provisional 30-man England squad ahead of next Wednesday's friendly against France in Paris.
The LA Galaxy midfielder, who has 99 caps, was considered unfit by Capello for the friendly against Switzerland last month, ensuring he remained one short of the three-figure milestone.
However, Capello now appears satisfied Beckham is match fit again having watched the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder perform well in recent friendlies for Galaxy.
Should Beckham again miss out when Capello whittles his squad down to 23 on Saturday night, he will still have further opportunities to reach his century. England are due to play the USA at Wembley on May 28.
Just as significant as Beckham's inclusion is that of Theo Walcott, who has impressed as an impact sub for Arsenal this season. Frank Lampard and John Terry are also back in the England reckoning.
France coach Raymond Domenech has named 10 players from the Premier League in his squad to face Capello's men.
Arsenal provide four of the squad members - Gael Clichy, William Gallas, Bacary Sagna and Mathieu Flamini - while the Chelsea trio of Claude Makelele, Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda are also included. 
Domenech said: "I wanted to broaden the squad. I wanted to have the maximum number of players to keep my options open and to cover potential injuries that may occur. 
"There are a couple of minor injuries so this is a preventative measure. So if somebody calls up on Sunday and says they can't play, it is not a problem. Everybody who needs to be on the list is on it. There are no surprises." 

March 19,2008
David Beckham and Theo Walcott set for England recalls
David Beckham and Theo Walcott are expected to be recalled when Fabio Capello names his provisional England squad tomorrow for next week's friendly away to France. 
Both players were overlooked for the Italian's first match in charge when England beat Switzerland 2-1 at Wembley last month. 
Beckham, who hopes to win his 100th cap in Paris on Wednesday, has declared himself fit after coming through several pre-season friendlies with Los Angeles Galaxy. Capello sent Franco Baldini, his assistant manager, out to the United States to assess Beckham's fitness last week. 

David Beckham turns into Indiana Jones in new Pepsi ad
Football star David Beckham renounced his soccer skills for a while and turned action hero in a new TV advert for soft drink Pepsi.
The former England captain features as a replica for Indiana Jones in the ad as he dons a fedora hat and a brown leather jacket - with his name and number 23 printed on the back.
Beckham has joined hands with five of the world's biggest football stars for the multimillion-pound advertisement, including Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, Cesc Fabregas, Lionel Messi and Frank Lampard. 
The star-studded team play soccer around a series of exotic locations, from China to the moon, reports The Sun.
The team ends up on a remote beach called 'Nowhere' - with Beckham handing out bottles of Pepsi to his dream teammates 

March 18, 2008
David Beckham's new tattoo
David Beckham appears to have chosen an ancient Chinese proverb in what is the latest addition to his tattoo collection. 
The midfielder lifted up his shirt during a charity match for LA Galaxy to reveal a line of black symbols running down his left rib cage.
The letters are said to represent a Chinese proverb that translates to “Death and life have determined appointments. Riches and honour depend upon heaven.” 
Just last month the former England captain, 32, unveiled a tattoo he had dedicated to Victoria Beckham and the words "Forever by your side" have been inked into his left forearm. 
He already has the picture of a bare-breasted angel on his left arm with the Hindi inscription of her name surrounded by stars. 
The couple both have matching tattoos on their wrists of Roman numerals VIII.V.MMVI, which stand for the date of their secret commitment ceremony on March 8, 2006.
Above the numbers is they have the same Latin phrase "De Integro", meaning "Again from the start". 
He got his first tattoo after the birth of his first son and the name Brooklyn was printed across his lower back. 
Shortly after he had the image of an angel emblazoned above the name which was said to represent protection. He also has a crucifix running down his neck. 
His right forearm is said to be representative of his soccer career and the Roman numeral VII, for the number seven, is tattooed on the inside whicch was his number when he played for Manchester United and England. 

Click on thumbnail to see David's new tattoo 

March 16, 2008
Beckham boosts chance of England recall
David Beckham improved his chances of winning a 100th England cap after coming through Los Angeles Galaxy's pre-season clash with FC Dallas unscathed in front of Fabio Capello's right-hand man.
England general manager Franco Baldini watched the midfielder play the full 90 minutes of Galaxy's 0-0 draw with their Major League Soccer rivals in the charity match.
The 32-year-old is hoping to prove his fitness ahead of England's friendly against France on March 26, having been omitted by coach Capello for the Italian's first match in charge against Switzerland last month.
Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Beckham showed no ill-effects from the ankle injury that plagued his initial season with Galaxy last year.
"It was just like a Premiership game and games I've seen with Fabio Capello," Beckham said the midfielder after the match. "(Baldini) came to see how my fitness is and my form is. 
"Some people might think that adds a little added pressure, but from my side, there was no added pressure there. I just had to perform, play the balls I could play and work hard. 
"That's just part and parcel for a player playing for his national team. You're always being watched by somebody. It just comes with the territory." 
Galaxy head coach Ruud Gullit was pleased with Beckham's contributions.
"David gave us some killer passes that, if we could have converted them, would have made it an easier game," he said. "He played an excellent 90 minutes and I think he is a good example for the younger players on the team. 
"He's been playing all 90 minutes for us throughout the pre-season and his fitness level is excellent." 
Beckham, who received yellow card for dissent with three minutes remaining, added: "It was a good game and I think we played some good football.
"We created a lot of chances, but the problem is when we don't finish those chances, it's always going to be a close game. I think they performed well, but I think we edged it with so many chances."

March 15, 2008
Posh & Becks are celebrities most children wish to be 
A new survey has found David and Victoria Beckham are the celebrities most school children would aspire to be, according to teachers.
A study by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) found 53 per cent of teachers say their pupils modelled themselves on the LA Galaxy footballer, with 30 per cent claiming school children aspire to be like his Spice Girl wife.
Sporting stars such as Beckham, Frank Lampard and Lewis Hamilton were seen as the celebrities most children aspire to be, while pop stars such as Posh Spice, the Sugababes and Leona Lewis viewed as role models.
However, teachers and lecturers professed to being troubled by the number of pupils who wish to be 'famous for being famous' - with one teacher quoting a pupil as saying she wanted 'to be a WAG', while 32 per cent of secondary school teachers said pupils aspired to be like Paris Hilton.
ATL general secretary, Dr Mary Bousted, said she was "not surprised" by the impact of celebrity culture and reality TV on school children.
"It reflects the current media obsession with celebrity and the effect of celebrity culture on society as a whole," she added, though she admitted some celebrities can be positive role models for pupils.
"However, we are deeply concerned many pupils' believe celebrity status is available to everyone," Ms Bousted explained.
"They do not understand the hard work it takes to achieve such status and do not think it is important to be actively engaged in school work as education is not needed for a celebrity status. 
"Celebrity culture can perpetuate the notion that celebrity status is the greatest achievement and reinforces the belief that other career options are not valuable."
Other celebrities believed to be admired by school children included Keira Knightley, David Tennant and Lily Allen.

March 14, 2008
England check out Beckham for 100th cap
David Beckham will have the opportunity to impress England's new coaching staff tomorrow when Fabio Capello's general manager, Franco Baldini, is expected to make a personal check on the midfielder's form and fitness by attending Los Angeles Galaxy's pre-season friendly in Dallas.
Beckham recently returned from the Galaxy's tour of China and South Korea and is hopeful of earning his 100th cap in England's friendly against France at the Stade de France on March 26. That game comes three days before the start of the Major League Soccer season - the Galaxy will play Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park - meaning much will depend upon the performance he musters at Pizza Hut Park.
Capello indicated last week that the 32-year-old would be "in contention" for the game in Paris should he prove his fitness after a pre-season with Ruud Gullit's side which has taken in a Pan-Pacific championship in Honolulu before matches in Seoul, Shanghai and Hong Kong. "We will check on him in Dallas and then we will decide whether he will be fit for the squad for the France game," he said.
However, if Beckham fails to impress against Dallas he will have to switch his attentions to England's proposed friendly against the United States at Wembley on May 28 to earn his century of caps.

Victoria and David Beckham want to quit Los Angeles
The pair, who moved with their three children to the US city when soccer star David signed a contract with team Los Angeles Galaxy, are said to be "disillusioned" with life Stateside. 
A source close to the family told America's OK! magazine: "David is very close to his family and would much rather be living in the UK. 
A lot of things haven't gone the way they thought it would and they are both feeling a bit disillusioned. "David keeps saying he is hoping someone buys out his contract with Los Angeles Galaxy so he can go home." 
Victoria's representative has denied the couple are unhappy in America, saying: "They couldn't be happier here. They aren't having second thoughts." 
David's representative added: "He is there to fulfil his contract." 
Victoria - who recently finished a reunion world tour with her band the Spice Girls - is said to be desperate to move back to London to concentrate on her fashion range dVb. 
She recently announced she is launching a denim line for men, and revealed she prefers David in big, baggy jeans. 
Victoria said: "I think guys should wear jeans big and baggy, with a big pair of boots or flip-flops - exactly how you see David when he's out in his jeans and T-shirt. 
"Do not pull them up tight and have your bulge showing. Let it hang! I didn't want anything too tight around the crotch. That really repulses me. It might be fashionable, but you are not going to get that from dVb." 

March 13, 2008
Beckham launches new fragrance
David Beckham has launched Instinct After Dark, a new limited edition men’s fragrance, which is to be supported by a print advertising campaign, followed by a television push. 
David Beckham's charismatic style captured in a new limited edition fragrance: Instinct After Dark. Bringing a night-time twist to the extremely successful original fragrance, Instinct After Dark expresses David Beckham's sophistication and allure and conveys a new mysterious facet.
Intinct After Dark opens with sparkling, tangy-fresh citrus notes of grapefruit, Italian bergamot and mandarin leaf. The middle note is pure elegance with pimento, star anise and cardamom, culminating in the magnetic sensuality of vanilla and white amber.
The Instinct After Dark Eau de Toilette flacon plays on the highly masculine codes of the original David Beckham Instinct fragrance, infused with intense night-time colours. The folding carton also plays on this theme with a striking black to silver degrade finish. Completed with the magnetic cap & DVB crest the packaging is ultra masculine and highly desirable.
The Instinct After Dark campaign portrays a captivating and enigmatic portrait of David Beckham in a simmering twilight setting.
David Beckham Instinct After Dark. Capture the spirit in an exciting new Limited Edition.

David Beckham
Instinct After Dark
An exclusive, collectible Limited Edition. A concentration of all the exciting possibilities of life after dark.

Beckham confirmed for charity game with FC Dallas
The Los Angeles Galaxy confirmed Wednesday that English soccer star David Beckham will participate in Saturday's charity match against FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park. 
Galaxy spokesman Patrick Donelly said Beckham is fine after a physical match against Shanghai Hong Kong United during the club's recent Asian tour. He left the match with an injury in the 70th minute to a standing ovation. 
"David played 90 minutes in the next game, scored on a penalty in overage time and didn't have major issues," Donelly said. 
Beckham played the full 90 minutes in four of the Galaxy's five exhibition matches played in a two-week stretch in Hawaii, Seoul, Shanghai and Hong Kong. 
He should arrive at Pizza Hut Park with additional motivation. His performance against FC Dallas should determine whether England national coach Fabio Capello will call him up for a March 26 friendly against France. 
Should Beckham play, he will become the fifth player to have participated in 100 matches wearing England's jersey, joining Peter Shilton, Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton and Billy Wright. 
FC Dallas spokesman German Sferra said at least five British news organizations, including BBC Radio, have requested credentials for Saturday's match. 
The friendly, which benefits the FC Dallas Foundation, will be the first opportunity for area fans to see Beckham at Pizza Hut Park. An injury kept him from traveling to the SuperLiga contest between the Galaxy and Dallas last July. 
LA Galaxy at FC Dallas, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Pizza Hut Park, Frisco 

March 11, 2008
Posh & Becks are considering abandoning US for London P
Victoria Beckham has admitted she and husband David may not see their future stateside after all.
The celebrity couple moved across the Atlantic to conquer the Hollywood celebrity scene and allow David to play for LA Galaxy.
He has struggled to make a big impact since his unveiling at the club last year, however, with his season cursed with a string of injuries.
And Victoria's haughty stance has resulted in only limited welcomes from the Beverly Hills set.
Apart from an appearance on Ugly Betty as brief as it was cringeworthy, Victoria has struggled to make her presence felt and most Americans tend to raise an eyebrow whenever she appears.
These may be reasons why, according to the Sunday People newspaper, the green green grass of home – or Chelsea – are beginning to feature more prominently in her thoughts.
"Victoria loves America. She enjoys the company of Tom and Katie Cruise and other A-list pals," a source told the tabloid.
"But she is excited about the long-term future and London will play a huge part in that. They have Beckingham Palace in Hertfordshire but she wants to be closer to the hub of London."
Hence the search for a luxury pad in central London, where she could step up her charity and fashion work.
Such a move might help David contribute more towards his football academies, which have attracted the praise of renowned fashion icon Gordon Brown.

March 9, 2008
Beckham allays injury fears 
David Beckham shrugged off fresh injury fears on Sunday after a clumsy challenge which looked to have dented his England recall bid. 
The LA Galaxy star was upended by South China invitational's Li Haiqiang late in Sunday's friendly here and was limping slightly afterwards.
However Beckham, who suffered a minor thigh injury during Galaxy's previous tour match in Shanghai, said he was "just a little bit bruised."
"I'm not injured," he said. "I took another knock on my thigh that I got kicked on before but it's not a problem.
"I took the penalty straight after. It's just a little bit bruised."
Beckham slotted the last-gasp spot-kick to take the friendly match into penalties, which Galaxy eventually lost 5-4.
The 32-year-old is gunning for an England recall this month and hopes to win his 100th cap in the March 26 friendly against France.
However he insisted that he was focusing on Major League Soccer rather than a return to international football.
"At the moment I'm just concentrating on playing with Galaxy," he said.
"I'm concentrating on training with Galaxy and getting fit for Galaxy. We will just have to see what else happens."

March 8, 2008
David Beckham eyes South Africa 2010 for international swansong
David Beckham is targeting a glorious 2010 World Cup swansong to his England career.
And he is determined not to declare his international innings closed when he completes his century.
Former skipper Becks was buoyed by Fabio Capello's promise on Wednesday that he will become only the fifth England player to earn 100 caps as long as he can prove he is fit.
Beckham will get his chance to show he is ready to join Peter Shilton, Bobby Moore, Sir Bobby Charlton and Billy Wright in the elite club when Capello's No.2 Franco Baldini jets out to Dallas to see him in action for LA Galaxy next weekend.
But Beckham is determined that his 100th appearance, which could come as soon as March 26 against France in Paris, will not be a 'token' gesture.
A close friend told Mirror Sport: "David was delighted to see what Fabio said about him, because it proves what he was told last month was true and that he will be judged on what he is doing on the pitch.
"David knows Fabio well from the season they had together at Real Madrid, and he knows what is required of him to get back into the squad.
"But what matters most to David is that he gets his 100th cap on merit. He doesn't want it to be meaningless or a token, because he feels he can still play for England until 2010."
If he does not play in France, then the summer games against the USA and Trinidad and Tobago seem certain to bring about that 100th England appearance.
And even if he cannot become an automatic selection again, Beckham wants to remain a key part of the new manager's strategic thinking all the way to South Africa.

March 7, 2008
David Beckham says he's fit, ready for 100th England appearance
David Beckham says he's fit and ready for what would be his 100th appearance for England, despite picking up a slight injury in a friendly match with the Los Angeles Galaxy at Shanghai this week.
"I've played three games so far now and got through them all. Slight injury, but it's not a problem, so fitness-wise I'll be perfect," the former England captain said Friday ahead of the Galaxy's Sunday match against Hong Kong club South China.
Beckham's next chance to reach the 100-match mark is England's upcoming friendly against France on March 26.
England coach Fabio Capello left the 32-year-old former captain out of his lineup for England's friendly against Switzerland last month, saying he lacked competitive play.
Beckham agreed with Capello's decision at the time, but said Friday in Hong Kong he's now ready to be called up.
The midfielder sat out the last 20 minutes of the Galaxy's 3-0 win over Shanghai-Hong Kong United on Wednesday after being kicked in the right thigh in the first half.
"It's an injury where you have to be careful not to do too much on it straight after it's happened," he said.
Beckham said he missed training Friday morning to get treatment on the injury, but that it wasn't serious and he expects to resume training and be fit for Sunday's match.
Last month Beckham played with Los Angeles in the inaugural Pan Pacific Championship at Hawaii, followed by friendlies in Seoul, South Korea and Shanghai.
Capello said either he or his assistant Franco Baldini will fly to Dallas for the Galaxy's Major League Soccer match on March 14 to assess Beckham's fitness.
Beckham said playing 100 games for England was a childhood dream.
"Being a proud Englishman, it's something I've always wanted to do since I was a young boy," he said. "I've always wanted to play for my country. I've always wanted to captain my country and I've always wanted to reach 100 games."
Only four players _ Peter Shilton, Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton and Billy Wright _ have made more than 100 appearances for England.
Looking ahead, Beckham says he feels fit enough to play competitively for a few more years, adding that soccer standards in the U.S. aren't "as low as everybody thinks."
"I believe I still can play at (international) level," he said.

March 6, 2008
David Beckham will win his 100th cap, says Fabio Capello
David Beckham was as good as guaranteed his century of international caps by Fabio Capello yesterday. The England manager revealed that he intends to check on Beckham’s form and fitness in Dallas next week, perhaps personally, and the former captain could be in contention for the friendly against France on March 26. If that is too soon, Capello said that Beckham can feel confident about winning his 100th cap perhaps in early summer, when the FA has lined up matches against the United States and Trinidad & Tobago. 
It is the most positive Capello has been on Beckham’s return to the England fold since taking the job in December. He left him out of the squad for the friendly against Switzerland last month because Major League Soccer (MLS) was in its close season and he was not playing regularly. The MLS will not have started officially when England play in Paris, either, but Capello is prepared to give Beckham a chance to show his readiness in pre-season matches. 
Capello talked openly about Beckham and other issues during an England fans’ forum in London yesterday, replying mostly in English. Asked if Beckham could feel confident of winning his 100th cap, Capello replied: "Yes." Los Angeles Galaxy play in Dallas on March 14 and Franco Baldini [Capello's assistant] or I will go to see him and assess his fitness. He is in contention for France. We will check on him in Dallas and then we will decide whether he will be fit for that squad. He will get his 100th cap if he is fit and in form. 
"I know Beckham very well from Real Madrid and I hope David will play the 100th game and get that cap. I understand from reading his last interview that at this moment his fitness isn’t good and I will phone him because I want to know exactly what he thinks about his fitness." 
Even as Capello was speaking, Beckham’s situation was changing, however. He limped out of the Galaxy’s win over a Shanghai-Hong Kong XI in an exhibition game in China. Beckham suffered a "dead leg" in the 70th minute of a 3-0 win — he set up the first goal — although he hoped that it would cause problems for only a couple of days. "I got a kick in my leg in the first half and I felt it start stiffening up during the second half," he said. 
Worryingly for Capello, though, Beckham has been fighting injuries since he arrived in the United States in July, playing only 310 minutes because of a lingering ankle problem and a sprained right knee. He played 90 minutes against FC Seoul last weekend, but Galaxy’s tour finishes with a match in Hong Kong on Saturday, when Beckham’s contribution can no longer be guaranteed. 
Yet while the prospect of Beckham’s 100th cap will continue to dominate the headlines, there is as much chance of recent graduates from the under-21 squad getting a chance against France. Gabriel Agbonlahor, the Aston Villa striker, is likely to feature after missing the match against Switzerland through injury, while Joe Hart, the Manchester City goalkeeper, could also earn promotion and James Milner, the Newcastle United winger, is in contention. 
"We have young players in the under-21s and it is two years before the World Cup, so there is optimism,” Capello said. "There will be tough games and after losing to Croatia at Wembley [in the decisive qualifying match for Euro 2008 in November] we have to recover the confidence. But I am sure we will qualify for the World Cup. After that, I will think about whether we will win it or not." 

David Beckham injury not serious
David Beckham, the former England captain, limped out of Los Angeles Galaxy's latest friendly in China, but insists the injury "is nothing serious". 
The former Manchester United winger set up a goal as Galaxy eased to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Shanghai-Hong Kong United in Shanghai although he was substituted with 20 minutes of the match remaining. 
"I got a kick in my leg the first half just in my thigh, and I felt it start stiffening up during the second half, so obviously the manager decided to bring me off," Beckham said. "It's only precautionary, it's nothing serious." 
Beckham has been dogged by injuries since he left Real Madrid to join the American club in July, playing only 310 minutes due to a lingering ankle problem and a sprained right knee. The 32-year-old midfielder reported to the Galaxy camp with a swollen left ankle, only to injure his knee in Galaxy's SuperLiga final against Pachuca of Mexico last August. 
Beckham is in China on Galaxy's three-city Asian tour that began in Seoul, as he fights to prove his fitness to Fabio Capello. The England manager left him out of England's friendly with Switzerland last month, a game that would have given Beckham his 100th cap. 


March 5, 2008
Beckham injured as Ruiz hat-trick inspired Galaxy to victory 
Former England captain David Beckham inspired the Los Angeles Galaxy to a 3-0 victory over Shanghai-Hong Kong here on Wednesday, creating the first goal for hat-trick hero Carlos Ruiz. 
But the former England captain gave his club a scare, when he limped off with a right thigh injury in the 70th minute of the exhibition match.
"I got a kick in my leg in the first half, and I felt it start stiffening up during the second half, so obviously the manager decided to bring me off," Beckham said.
"It's only precautionary... it's nothing serious," revealed Beckham, adding that the "dead leg" would be fine in a couple of days.
Beckham has been fighting injuries since he left Real Madrid to join the North American US Major League Soccer club in July, playing only 310 minutes due to a lingering ankle problem and a sprained right knee.
The 32-year-old midfielder reported to the Galaxy camp with a swollen left ankle only to injure his knee in the Galaxy's SuperLiga final against Pachuca of Mexico last August.
During the match, Beckham saw little action, but he combined with Guatemalan international striker Ruiz, putting Galaxy ahead 1-0 in the closing moments of the first half.
Beckham, cheered on by more than 10,000 fans at the Shanghai Outdoor stadium whenever he touched the ball, took a long pass before connecting with Ruiz, who headed home.
It was Ruiz who was the star of the match though, finding the net twice more as he first tapped home Sean Franklin's right cross in the 79th minute, and then in the 84th broke through the middle alone to score.
"It's always nice to win the game but I think we played really well, we played some good football and scored some good goals," Beckham said after the game. "(Ruiz) got three goals which we're really happy with."
The mixed Shanghai-Hong Kong side looked dangerous throughout the game as striker Wang Jiayu repeatedly burst through the middle, but they were foiled time and again by a stingy Galaxy defence.
Beckham arrived in China's financial hub as part of the Galaxy's three-city Asian tour amid questions about his fitness.
England coach Fabio Capello, who Beckham enjoyed a fractious relationship with at Real Madrid, denied him his 100th cap for a friendly against Switzerland last month on the grounds that the superstar was not in good enough shape.
After arriving in Shanghai on Sunday, Beckham stressed that getting fit enough to play again for England was a top priority as he aims for the milestone that only five other Englishmen have achieved.
Galaxy, who begin their regular season in the United States at the end of March, will wrap up their Asian tour in Hong Kong with a match on March 9.
In the Galaxy's loss to K-League side FC Seoul on Saturday, Beckham played the full 90 minutes.
Beckham also visited China in 2003 and 2005 with Real Madrid on the club's high profile Asia tours.

March 4, 2008
Beckham visit to Shanghai hospital sparks chaos 
Football star David Beckham visited young leukaemia patients at a Shanghai hospital on Tuesday, causing a wave of chaos which forced police to seal off several of the hospital's entrances. 
Hundreds of fans, staff, the media and curious bystanders converged upon the hospital, prompting police to close off access to a wing of Xinhua Hospital, an AFP reporter witnessed. No-one was allowed to enter or leave the wing for several hours.
One woman screamed hysterically as angry police refused to allow her inside, and organisers were forced to cancel a donation ceremony scheduled to take place outside the hospital.
"I want to see a doctor," she said as she tried to fight her way in.
Beckham is in Shanghai with his US club, LA Galaxy, for an exhibition match against a Shanghai-Hong Kong team on Wednesday.
Police struggled to clear people away from the ward's main entrance, holding up Beckham's car for at least 15 minutes.
The Galaxy, who begin their regular season in the US at the end of March, are in Shanghai as part or a three-city Asian tour.
The club lost in a penalty shootout to K-League side FC Seoul on Saturday. After their Shanghai match, Beckham and his team will travel to Hong Kong for a game against a South China side on March 9.
The former England captain is very popular in Asia, drawing huge crowds when he captained the national side during the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

March 3, 2008
David Beckham to celebrate oldest son's birthday by phone from Shanghai 
Soccer star David Beckham will have to celebrate his oldest son's birthday by telephone from China. 
The English midfielder, in the middle of an Asian tour with his Los Angeles Galaxy team, will call his family Tuesday for the birthday, his press agent said Monday.
Brooklyn, the oldest son of Beckham and pop star Victoria Beckham, will turn nine on Tuesday.
"Unfortunately they will not be here (in China), but they send their love," David Beckham told a crowd at a promotional event.
Excited Chinese fans at the Galaxy's practice venue Monday unfurled a "Happy Birthday Brooklyn" banner as Beckham and his teammates left the field.
Coach Ruud Gullit expressed concerns about the quality of the playing field in Shanghai and said Beckham's playing time in Wednesday's game against Shanghai-Hong Kong United would depend on whether the field is cleaned up.
"The pitch is in bad shape," Gullit said. "Also dangerous, because stones, bones, shells, everything is on it. It's pretty difficult to play."
Beckham said he hoped to play the entire game.
His Major League Soccer team also will play in Hong Kong on March 9.
The Galaxy's regular season begins at the end of this month.

March 2, 2008
David Beckham arrives in China with LA Galaxy to continue Asian tour with Shanghai game
Soccer star David Beckham was swarmed by camera-carrying crowds as he arrived in China on Sunday for a game this week in Shanghai.
"Beckham is our idol," said Xu Gen Bao, the coach of the Shanghai-Hong Kong United team that Beckham's team, the Los Angeles Galaxy, will play Wednesday.
Beckham, who said he got a "great welcome" from Chinese fans, told a press conference he hoped to be able to play the full 90 minutes in this week's game.
The English midfielder missed much of his first season with the Galaxy with injuries to his right knee and left ankle. He's now entering the second year of a five-year, $32.5 million contract with the team.
After the team's swing through Asia, its regular Major League Soccer season will start at the end of March.
The Asian tour started in Korea, where Beckham was the only one of five Galaxy players to convert in a penalty shootout as the MLS outfit lost to South Korea's FC Seoul 2-1 in an exhibition game Saturday.
Earlier this year, Beckham was denied his 100th national team appearance by England's new coach Fabio Capello, who thought the Galaxy midfielder would be unfit in his offseason.
Beckham had not played a competitive match since November, and acknowledged that he isn't in good enough shape to make his 100th international appearance for England.
After the game in Shanghai, the American team's preseason East Asian tour will continue with a game against Hong Kong Union on March 9.

March 1, 2008
Added 3 pics from Armani ad

David Beckham shines but LA Galaxy defeated
David Beckham was powerless to prevent LA Galaxy's Asian tour getting off to a losing start at the hands of South Korean side FC Seoul.
After the scores finished level at 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes, Seoul won a penalty shoot-out 2-1.
Beckham was the only Galaxy player to convert, firing his spot-kick into the roof of the net as Seoul goalkeeper Kim Ho-jun saved the other four.
The former England captain played the full 90 minutes and was in the thick of the action of a surprisingly physical match, creating the opening goal for the MLS side.
Playing in front of just 34,000 fans in the 65,000-capacity Seoul World Cup Stadium, the ex-Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder was in action early in the game, momentarily squaring up to Lee Chung-yong after the young Seoul winger caught him with a late tackle.
Beckham's passing skills were on display after 12 minutes when a delightful ball sent Carlos Ruiz free only for the striker to balloon his shot high and wide.
Beckham created the game's opening goal after 20 minutes when he chipped a free-kick into Seoul's penalty area for Alan Gordon to control on his chest and volley into the net.
After 31 minutes, however, the hosts were back on level terms when Jung Jo-gook converted a penalty.
The game slowed in the second half with Galaxy's Steve Cronin the busier of the two goalkeepers.
Galaxy depart for Shanghai tomorrow morning for the next leg of their tour against Shanghai-Hong Kong United on March 5, before facing Hong Kong SACC in Hong Kong four days later.
David Beckham scored from the penalty spot but his LA Galaxy side were beaten 2-1 in a shootout by FC Seoul after a 1-1 draw in a friendly on Saturday.
"First-half was some of the best football I played (with the Galaxy)," Beckham said. "I think we played very well in the first half but we were a bit tired in the second."
Beckham played the entire game despite reports that the former Real Madrid midfielder would be limited to a half to avoid the risk of injury before the start of the MLS season.

February 29, 2008
Beckham's Hong Kong game to go ahead 
Hong Kong's football authorities confirmed Friday that they had given the go-ahead for David Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy to play in the city. 
LA Galaxy announced Monday they would play an exhibition match March 9 at Hong Kong Stadium, but the city's football authority said it had not approved the plan and the stadium was fully booked for that date.
"The application was approved," Hong Kong Football Association Sunny Leung told AFP Friday.
"We have all been making every last-minute effort to have them come, we were very keen to have them here."
Leung said LA Galaxy would arrive on March 6 and hold a football clinic for youngsters before playing a South China invitation team on March 9, tickets for which go on sale from next Thursday.
The game is part of a Galaxy exhibition tour of Asia aimed at tapping into Beckham's huge popularity in the region.
He and the club arrived Tuesday in South Korea for an exhibition match on Saturday against FC Seoul.
They then travel to Shanghai for a match on March 5 before the stop in Hong Kong.

David Beckham admits he's running out of time to win 100th cap
David Beckham last night admitted he is running out of time to win his 100th cap next month against France in Paris.
Former England captain Beckham, 32, was left out of Fabio Capello's first squad against Switzerland and fears a lack of match fitness could see him sidelined again for the friendly on March 26.
Beckham is due to play for LA Galaxy in Korea at the weekend, but Capello insists he will not be picked until he has proved he is ready.
Ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star Beckham confessed: "I've no match fitness.
"All I've done is training. We're still two weeks into our pre-season routine and fitness-wise, we're getting there slowly.
"I would love to reach the 100 caps, but I have to be physically ready to be part of the team."
Beckham, who launches his MLS season in Colorado against the Rapids three days after England's trip to France, made it clear that he has no personal axe to grind with his former Real boss Capello.
He added: "I've played for Capello before, and he's a great manager. He is a manager who will pick players that are fit enough. I understand why he selected others who played more games."

February 27, 2008
David Beckham's battle for 100th England cap
David Beckham's ambitions of landing his 100th England cap in the friendly against France next month hangs in the balance after he conceded he is still short of match fitness.
The LA Galaxy midfielder is stuck on 99 international caps but held hopes of reaching the milestone in England's contest in Paris on March 26 after being overlooked by coach Fabio Capello for the friendly with Switzerland earlier this month.
Capello ignored the clamour to hand Beckham his 100th cap at Wembley because of concerns over his fitness levels having not played a competitive game since November.
While Beckham has no problem with the Italian coach for his omission, he remains desperate to play under his former Real Madrid coach again.
"He is a great manager and a good person," Beckham said.
"He will pick players if he believes they are fit enough, and with me playing no games it was only right that there are other players that played many games.
"I would love to reach 100 caps, but I have to be physically ready to be part of the team. All I've done is training, I have no match fitness."
The 32-year-old was speaking at a press conference in Seoul, South Korea where his Galaxy club are preparing for a three-match tour of Asia.
Galaxy are set to play FC Seoul in a friendly on Saturday before games in Shanghai on March 5 and Hong Kong on March 9, although the final fixture is yet to be ratified by the Hong Kong football association.
Galaxy's proposed exhibition match in Hong Kong is in limbo after the HKFA confirmed they have not yet agreed for it to go ahead.

February 26, 2008
David Beckham arrives in South Korea to kick off 3-match Asian tour
David Beckham arrived in South Korea on Tuesday as Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy kicked off a three match Asian tour.
Beckham made no comment to reporters on arrival at Incheon International Airport outside the South Korean capital, Seoul. The 32-year-old former England captain plans to hold a media conference on Wednesday.
The Galaxy will play FC Seoul in a friendly match on Saturday before continuing its Asian tour in Shanghai, China, on March 5 and Hong Kong on March 9.
Beckham set up both goals Sunday as the Galaxy beat Australian side Sydney FC 2-1 to finish third in the inaugural Pan-Pacific Championship exhibition tournament in Hawaii.
Los Angeles opens its regular MLS season March 29 at Colorado against The Rapids.

February 25, 2008
David and Victoria Beckham to spend weekend with British Prime Minister's family
David and Victoria Beckham are set to spend a long weekend with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife, Sarah at their country mansion, it has been revealed in a statement to Daily Mirror. 
The invitation to Chequers, the Browns’ official country mansion is a thank you for the couple’s charity work with Sarah, 47. 
A pal of Victoria, 33, revealed: "Sarah does a lot of charity work and has previously called on Victoria to help. They get on well and Sarah knows Victoria and David can be relied on to send signed books or jeans or give time if possible. 
"They don’t seem likely friends but the Browns have a lot of time for the Beckhams. 
"They are bound to have a great weekend together at Chequers." 
Victoria’s Spice Girl pal Geri Halliwell is among the celebs who visited Chequers when Tony Blair was PM. 
Other guests at the Buckinghamshire mansion have included Charlotte Church, Chris Evans, Richard Madeley and Des O’Connor. 
A Downing Street insider said: “Gordon has made it clear he isn’t interested in using Chequers for schmoozing with celebs. You won’t see a host of C-List stars traipsing down there at his behest. 
"But David and Victoria have done some incredible work for cystic fibrosis charities, a cause very close to the Browns’ hearts, and the bond has grown. 
"They are now very good friends and an invite to Chequers was a natural step." 


February 24, 2008
David Beckham key to Galaxy win over Sydney
David Beckham played a pivotal role in Los Angeles Galaxy's 2-1 win over Sydney FC which saw his side claim third place in the Pan-Pacific Championship
The former England captain was the Galaxy's best player as they edged out Sydney in Honolulu and returned to winning ways following a 1-0 defeat to Gamba Osaka in midweek.
Beckham set up the first goal after just three minutes, his sweeping cross picking out Ely Allen, who volleyed past Sydney goalkeeper Ivan Necevski.
Brendan Renaud equalised after 42 minutes with a 30-yard drive but the Galaxy regained the lead a minute before the break when Josh Tudela capitalised on some uncertainty from Necevski.
"It's always nice to have assists, and tonight I was able to get two," said Beckham.
"It's always good in pre-season to get games in because you get all the training you want. To get your match fitness in games is important."
Beckham took a stray boot in the chest 18 minutes into the second half but, after pacing around for a few seconds, decided to stay on, much to the delight of the Hawaii crowd who cheered his every touch.
"It's been a really good stay in Hawaii, it's just great that people enjoy watching me play, and watching the team play," Beckham said.
"That's always important, that the people, kids and everybody that comes to the game has fun and enjoys themselves."

February 21, 2008
Beckham plays in Hawaii friendly
David Beckham moved a step closer to winning his 100th England cap by playing in a friendly in Hawaii.
LA Galaxy lost 1-0 to the Japanese team Gamba Osaka in Honolulu, but Beckham played the entire 90 minutes as part of the squad's preparations for the Major League Season, which kicks off next month.
England coach Fabio Capello left Beckham out of the squad for the friendly against Switzerland earlier this month, claiming he was not fit enough.
But Beckham proved he has not lost any of his competitive edge when he squared up to Gamba Osaka defender Lucas to complain about a late tackle.
Beckham could win his 100th cap for England against France in Paris next month.
But that match is less than two weeks after the Major League Soccer season kicks off, so Beckham will probably have to wait for a friendly later in the season to reach the landmark.

'Forever by your side': David Beckham's promise to Posh in a new tattoo
David Beckham has used the last inches of bare skin on his left forearm to make a very public promise of loyalty to wife Victoria. 
The football star unveiled his romantic declaration - 'Forever by your side' - during a training session with LA Galaxy in Honolulu yesterday ahead of the Pan-Pacific Championship. 
The phrase is the latest in a series of Posh inspired etchings. 
It joins David's six-inch tattoo of Victoria as a bare-breasted angel, surrounded by stars and an older inscription of her name written in Hindi. 
A source quoted by Hello! magazine said: "They are both thrilled with the result. It has been beautifully done. Victoria is flattered." 
Both David and Victoria have matching tattoos of the Roman numerals VIII.V.MMVI, which stand for the date of their secret commitment ceremony on March 8, 2006. 
They also both have tattoos of the same Latin phrase De Integro, meaning "Again from the start". 
Perhaps it's David's way of keeping the romance alive, considering the couple's hectic schedules have kept them apart for much of this month. 
However, they were briefly reunited in New York earlier this week, where they caught a Broadway performance of The Little Mermaid with sons Brooklyn, 9, Romeo, 6 and three-year-old Cruz.