Does America Deserve Him? Will he Ever reach such Heights Again? Lucky LA?

Straight Beck in the old routine

HE’S Beck — and set to walk straight into the England side again.

David Beckham returned to the international scene for the first time since he was exiled by Steve McClaren (England Manager) after the World Cup failure last summer. And as yesterday’s training session proved, Real Madrid star Becks has not come along to make up the numbers and sit on the bench. In the biting cold and driving rain of Arsenal’s London Colney training ground, Beckham was like a kid who had just got his first call-up to practice with the school team. Then, when it came to the moment headmaster McClaren picked two line-ups for a 10-a-side game, Beckham got the nod for the A-team in a four-man midfield alongside Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. McClaren appears to be going down the route Sven Goran Eriksson favoured for so long in order to get the job done, even though it will mean another outing for the Gerrard-Lampard central midfield combination which has never really sparked. Manager McClaren knows he has to win the Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia a week tomorrow or he will be sacked. He will use Friday night’s prestige friendly against Brazil at the new Wembley to check Becks out. But he is convinced the former England captain is in the right shape to save him. However much Beckham, his advisors and the FA want to play down his comeback, he will never be an ordinary Joe. Becks tried to look like one of the lads by walking nonchalantly off the team coach yesterday, four from the end. And, as the squad trained, he was at pains to release the ball early and not try to show off. His commitment was clear though as he harried and chased and slid into tackles — and took a pretty firm challenge from the man who now wears his skipper’s armband, John Terry. When he tried one shot, it flew high over the bar and into the trees. But he started to find his range and had left and right-foot efforts blocked. Then Becks helped conjure up the winning goal for his side as he pinged a delightful right-foot cross to Michael Owen, who clipped it back into the box for Alan Smith to score. End of game and a very satisfied Becks and McClaren. Beckham, 32, then jogged around the pitch with one of the England masseurs. And although he had a small strapping just below the left knee, he did not look in any discomfort. Amid all the fuss, it was easy to forget this was also Owen’s return to the senior England set-up for the first time since suffering his terrible knee injury at last year’s World Cup in Germany.

The Newcastle striker looked lively without scoring and is expected to partner Smith up front against the Brazilians, while Peter Crouch will have to be content with a sub’s role. Smith was impressive for the England B team against Albania last Friday night and scored from 20 yards in the 3-1 victory at Turf Moor.

McClaren likes the Manchester United man’s aggressive, never-say-die attitude, which he feels has been missing in recent England displays. The England boss said: “Alan is a winner. He brings a certain attitude and toughness which has shone through during his battle for fitness. “He offers something to England wherever he plays. “He can play at the top of an attack or he can drop a bit deeper or also play in midfield. “I watched Alan when he came back in Manchester United’s 7-1 win against Roma and he really upset their back four. “He was the platform for Manchester United going on to win that game. “I spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson after that and he said how well the boy had done and what a great attitude he had, which we always knew. “I have monitored him closely ever since. ”There could also be a shock selection at left-back in Reading’s Nicky Shorey. With Ashley Cole out and his Chelsea club-mate Wayne Bridge struggling for fitness, Shorey got a run-out in the A-team yesterday.

DAVID BECKHAM was the driving force behind Real Madrid’s 3-1 win over Deportivo La Coruna. Although he failed to get on the scoresheet, Beckham played a key role in Madrid’s first two goals scored by Sergio Ramos and Raul. And he also struck the post with a superb 20-yard effort in the second half. The 32-year-old, who earlier on Saturday had been recalled to the England squad for the first time since last year’s World Cup, has been earning rave reviews for his performances of late. And Depor's 29-year-old Israeli international keeper Dudu Aouate is the latest member of the Becks fan club. He said: “Beckham changed everything. “He was involved in all the actions which decided the game, whenever they created any danger against us. “Beckham put crosses in with both feet, took free-kicks, corners, shots, led counter-attacks, and infected the rest with his energy.” Although most Primera Liga goalkeepers will not have to worry about Beckham for much longer due to his impending move to the United States, Aouate could still come up against the former Manchester United man at least one more time. Israel face England in their return Euro 2008 qualifier in September and Beckham, having forced his way back into Steve McClaren’s squad for next month’s internationals against Brazil and Estonia, could be involved.

DAVID BECKHAM will make an England century — if he saves boss Steve McClaren’s neck. Becks, who has 94 caps, is back to face Brazil on Friday and Estonia next Wednesday. But a source close to Macca said: “This goes beyond Estonia provided England win. "Steve has not picked David as a one-off. He thinks he can do a job in the qualifiers next season as well. “David is fresh because he has not played too much football. “Steve has seen enough to think he can get him to the Euro 2008 finals.” McClaren’s plans to use Becks for the final five Euro qualifiers after Estonia means the former captain will have to jet in from the US where he will be playing for the LA Galaxy after quitting Real Madrid this summer. The fact he will be playing sub-standard football does not bother the under-fire England boss. And FIFA rules mean Galaxy must release him five days before internationals, giving him time to beat jet-lag. But even McClaren’s assistant Terry Venables is against Becks’ recall. He warned yesterday the decision could leave Macca with “egg on his face.” And LA Galaxy general manager Alexei Lalas hinted that Beckham, 32, may not be allowed to fly back just for friendlies. England are lining up a possible date with Germany in August. But Lalas said: “I don’t want to stand in the way of a player representing his country. But I think they would have to be competitive matches.”

Playing in Spain

"Playing for Real Madrid is the best thing that's ever happened to me" David Beckham rejoined the England squad after a year's absence and was acclaimed on his return by fans and teammates alike. Prior to rejoining England, the English star talked about his four years at Real Madrid in an interview to BBC's Five Live. "Playing for Real Madrid is the best thing that's ever happened to me." This blunt remark begins the interview David Beckham gave to BBC's Five Live, in which he talked about his four years at the Club. "These have been four fantastic years despite having several problems on the sporting side of the Club and not winning as many titles as I thought I would," added the player, "When you play for Real Madrid, you aspire to win. You feel obliged to, but I've only managed to win one trophy in the four years I've been at the greatest Club in the world. I now have a great chance of leaving with a League title in my pocket. That would be wonderful, and the perfect way to say goodbye. I'm currently playing very well at Real Madrid and I want to leave that way. I'm enjoying playing as much as I did years ago and I feel like the happiest man on earth when I take the pitch."

Difficult start

"It's not easy to start anew in a different country when you don't speak the language or know the local customs... My wife, my children and myself arrived in a new city and we needed some time to get used to living in it. We didn't have friends or family in Spain and everyone had their eyes on us. Every step we took was closely followed and that didn't make things easy." Beck's pointed out he an his wife tried to lead a simple life "because we don't want our kids to suffer," but he knows how difficult that is, being that he and his wife are "public figures."

Support

The midfielder highlighted the good atmosphere on the team and talked about the support his teammates gave him when he joined the squad, particularly Roberto Carlos. "Bumping into Roberto Carlos is one of the best things that can happen to someone. He is an excellent person and he's always been very nice to me, Victoria and the kids. He's always been very affectionate with us. We've had lunch at his house many days, spent several Sundays together, gotten together for barbecues... We've had a great time with him. All the Brazilians on the team have been very good to me and my family and I will always be grateful to them for that." "There is a great atmosphere on the team. We have a great time, always joking around and laughing... Of course, when Capello is around we act seriously and work hard. I enjoy every training session; I've never experienced such good vibes in a dressing room before. Even my kids have fun when they come to training! The other day, my son Brooklyn ran up to me and said, 'Dad, Roberto Carlos' legs are huge, the biggest legs in the world! Have you seen them?' I couldn't stop laughing."

Praise for Zidane

"I will never forget him, neither as a person -he's one of the best I've ever met- nor as a player. I knew he was the best player in the world before I signed for Real Madrid, but he impressed me even more when I joined the team. I was up close to the best player I had ever seen, and will ever see. I will never forget what he said to me before he left: he sat down next to me in the dressing room and told me it had been an honor for him to play with me. It was incredible."

Praise for the fans

"I will never forget them. People in Spain have been very nice to me since I arrived. They have always made me feel at home and showcased their affection they have for me. I still remember the last game in which the fans chanted my name. It is a moving, wonderful and unforgettable experience to have the entire Bernabéu screaming your name. I feel the fans love me. I will never forget the people of Madrid. I will never be able to pay them back for all they've given me."

Tough times

"I suffered for being left out of Real Madrid and England for some time this season. It's tough to watch a game on TV, knowing you can't do anything to help your team. Luckily, my teammates always supported me and helped me pull through those difficult times. The great thing is I've already forgotten about it and I enjoy playing football as much as ever before. I'm very happy and I hope we end up winning the League."

Real Madrid march on... just 180 minutes away from celebrating the League title!

What better birthday present for Real Madrid President Ramón Calderón than the sixth consecutive overall and home win of his team. Madrid maintain their grip on the leadership one more week proving that they are in top physical and mental form to face any adversity and opponent. Once again, the second half saw the Merengues seal a victory that was initiated with Sergio Ramos' first half goal. Capdevila equalized, but it was just a mirage. Raúl and Van Nistelrooy scored one a piece and confirmed how close this team is to being crowned La Liga champions. The Bernabéu was a real party today. Just imagine against Mallorca in the last fixture of the season.

Real Madrid, ole, ole, ole to the beat of White-handed clapping. This is the way that an elated and crammed Santiago Bernabéu received the League leaders, Real Madrid, which featured the exact same eleven that had defeated Recreativo Huelva 3-2 last week. It was the penultimate clash at the Madridista Colosseum with the Primera Liga at stake and against a sturdy opponent. The truth is Deportivo Coruña were in no real need, but fought for pride and glory.

The team coached by Joaquín Caparrós began the game fully concentrated on the task at hand: perfect positioning and good defensive disposition, with up to six footballers in the midfield, and little to offer up ahead. That said, Depor managed three chances worth mentioning in the first period: Arizmendi (min.11), Capdevila (min.13), and the most dangerous one, with 39 minutes on the clock, when Roberto Carlos cleared the ball after a cross by the most dangerous and active blue-and-white man: Cristian.

But Real Madrid don't mind the rival. It is true that they're thankful with the teams that come to play football as opposed to those leathery teams who put all eleven men behind the ball and pressurize ball movement, as was the case this evening. But in this last stretch of the championship, the local team have proved that they are prepared physically and psychologically to face and resolve any adversity. Seven minutes into the match, Real Madrid had their first opportunity via the Captain, Raúl –who tonight leveled with Gento at 605 official appearances. Henceforth, the Whites took command of the game, which they always had under control.

The Bernabéu faithful witnessed the drive of their team, who wanted to hit halftime leading in the score line. Before the evening's first, they applauded the constant effort of Gago, Diarra, Raúl, Torres, Ramos, and so on...; the first touch plays to drive the ball forward all the way back from defense, perfectly marshaled by Fabio Cannavaro; the strategically mounted counter-attacks, with Ruud Van Nistelrooy leaning towards the right flank; the cross-field passing by Roberto Carlos; Beckman's well-taken free kicks -the most dangerous of all eight minutes past halftime, when the ball crashed against the woodwork-; the exquisite technique made in Robinho; and, of course, the saves by Iker Casillas.

The Bernabéu pleads for a goal...

Real Madrid were in control of the game but the Bernabéu pleaded for a goal. The opener came seconds before the half hour. Roberto Carlos drove the ball down the left touchline and passed it to Beckham. The Englishman lifted his head and curled the ball inside the box. Van Nistelrooy jumped well over his two markers and headed in only to find Aouate's hands. The ball was dead in mid-box, but Sergio Ramos was on hand to ram the ball to the back of the Deportivo net.

Nerves... but not for long

It has become somewhat of a custom to add some excitement to the games, seeing how well Madrid are faring with heroic actions or goals of late. The Galicians levelled the score ten minutes after the restart, which gave way to some nervousness and uncertainty. Before the goal, Iker Casillas had earned his daily share of praise after a treble save from point-blank range. But one minute later, there was nothing he could to deny the left-footed tip by Capdevila following an assist by Canadian footballer De Guzmán. And so, it was high time for an all-out attack. If there was a player who deserved a goal, that was David Beckham, who minutes earlier had clubbed a free kick against the post, bending it like only he can. It could have been the 2-0, but it was not meant to be. Neither was Robinho's finish following a swift counter staged by Real Madrid's number '23'. But Beckham soon found his bounty, because his was the beautiful cross from the right that Raúl headed home. The skipper broke another record: with 187 goals in La Liga, he is now Real Madrid's second all-time top scorer, having overtaken Santillana and placing himself just behind Alfredo Di Stéfano.

The Bernabéu's all fun and games!

And who else who could put the cherry to cap it all off but the man who cannot stop scoring goals: he scored away against Celta, Athletic Bilbao, and Reacreativo Huelva, and at home opposite Sevilla and Valencia. The Pichichi is on a roll and so, he did it again against Deportivo. The kudos for the play and for his entire game go to this team's leader: Raúl once again proved what a throughbred footballer he is, fighting for the ball in a burrowing play inside the Deportivo area, subjected to a penalty that went uncalled, and then shoving the ball forward just enough for Van The Man to score his 23rd League goal of the season, just three shy from the Golden Shoe award.

The Bernabéu was a real party... all fun and games from that point forward, with the fans applauding and chanting Spanish ole's. The Whites make the mark again and march on with just two matches to play: Zaragoza away and Mallorca at home after the international duty break this following week… All Madridistas had only one thing in mind after the final whistle: the next time, we could be celebrating La Liga.

MATCH REPORT

3 - Real Madrid: Iker Casillas; Miguel Torres, Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos (Cicinho, min.89); Beckham, Gago, Diarra, Robinho (Guti, min. 76); Raúl and Van Nistelrooy (Higuaín, min.90).

1 - Deportivo La Coruña: Aouate; Coloccini, Andrade, Lopo, Capdevila; Estoyanoff (Bodipo, min. 62), De Guzmán, Sergio (Verdú, min. 78), Cristian; Juan Rodríguez and Arizmendi (Barragán, min.86).

Goals:

1-0. Min. 29: Sergio Ramos boots it in after a header by Van Nistelrooy.

1-1. Min. 55: Capdevila slots home following De Guzmán's near post assist.

2-1. Min. 57: Raúl heads in a perfect Beckham cross.

3-1. Min. 75: Van Nistelrooy after Raúl's burrowing action.

Referee: Fernández Borbalán, Andalusian Refereeing Committee. Booked Beckham (24') of Real Madrid and Cristian (29'), Estoyanoff (36'), De Guzmán (38'), and Coloccini (84') of Deportivo.

Highlights: Attendance: 83,000, for a Santiago Bernabéu full to capacity in Matchday 36 of the Primera Liga. Raúl levelled with Gento's 605 match record with Real Madrid and scored his 187th League goal.

Patrick Comments on all this of David:

What a man. Plays a true MANS SPORT and far from home. Do you know another man who could win over the Spaniards for a start? He will leave crowds of 83,000 and exciting games like these all lined up for what? America does not know how to PLAY the game. How to REPORT the game. How to EVALUATE the game. How to PROMOTE the game. America is all SHOW and no passion in SPORT. I hope for better. I hope David does not get deeply disappointed by the American attitude for sport. "Why even watch.....I have TIVO"???....European Stadiums are filled whatever the weather and David the star was willing to go back to basics for his country in awful weather at Arsenals Training Ground. Fair weather participants here are too spoiled. They don't even turn up to national Memorial Events if it rains. What's that about? Good Luck David and I really really hope they can make you happy with your decision. Myself I would prefer to go out in a passionate environment or hang my boots up?