Becks to Play for L.A. Tonight, England Next Week

• Various Reports, Wednesday, August 15, 2007 3:45 PM

David Beckham looks set to be named in Steve McClaren's England squad against Germany on Aug. 22, despite having made just two short appearances for the L.A. Galaxy since his move from MLS. "He (Beckham) will be in the squad," McClaren said. "I want him to come over and play a part against Germany but it all depends on what happens this evening."

By "this evening," McClaren is referring to Wednesday night's SuperLiga semifinal between the Galaxy and D.C. United. Both Beckham and L.A. coach Frank Yallop have confirmed that the 32-year-old midfielder will play some part in the match; Yallop said Becks is "available to start" while the man himself said he felt he could play at least half a game. Beckham described his ankle as being "78 percent" healed.

McClaren also said he is satisfied with Beckham playing in MLS. The England coach was in the U.S. last week to meet L.A. general manager Alexi Lalas and coach Yallop -- and also to review the standard of play in MLS. "They were very supportive," McClaren said of Lalas and Yallop. "They understand where I am coming from and I understand where they are coming from. As long as he is playing competitive football, is motivated and fit, has got some goals ahead of him and the standard is okay, there would be no detriment to his performance," he added. Incidentally, the match McClaren saw was also against D.C. United; the Galaxy lost 1-0.

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