Arsenal come to David Beckham’s aid in bid to reach England century - 14 Nov 2007
David Beckham has been offered the chance to train with Cesc Fàbregas and his title-chasing team at Arsenal this winter in order to extend his international career.
Beckham will join his England teammates at Arsenal’s training ground this morning before a decisive week for the national team and could become a regular on Arsène Wenger’s pitches if he has a future in the national shirt beyond next Wednesday.
Beckham’s fate, like that of Steve McClaren, the England head coach, depends heavily on the result between Russia and Israel in the Euro 2008 qualifying tie in Tel Aviv on Saturday night. Victory for Russia will probably end McClaren’s tenure – and with it Beckham’s international career.
If Russia fail to win and England beat Croatia at Wembley next week, Beckham would expect to be involved at Euro 2008 and he has received offers from Watford, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal – all based near his Hertfordshire home – to train during the Major League Soccer close season, which lasts until February.
Training with Wenger’s brilliant young team under the Frenchman’s expert guidance is likely to be his preferred option. The Los Angeles Galaxy have ruled out a loan to an English club but would not object to Beckham keeping fit, provided that he is available for the American club’s exhibition matches over the next couple of months. The midfield player has a good rapport with Wenger. |