'Beckham not ready for England'

Updated 10.08 Thu Oct 04 2007

Keywords: LA Galaxy, David Beckham, Euro 2008, England, football, sport

David Beckham is not ready to play in England's back-to-back Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia.

That is the view of Los Angeles Galaxy coach Frank Yallop, despite the 32-year-old midfielder resuming light training as he steps up his recovery from the knee injury he suffered at the end of August.

"He's not even played any competitive games. Obviously, it's not my decision to pick (the England) team but it would be very difficult for him to be ready" - Los Angeles Galaxy coach Frank Yallop

Yallop said: "He's not even played any competitive games. Obviously, it's not my decision to pick (the England) team but it would be very difficult for him to be ready... It was good to see him out there with the rest of the team."

Beckham himself sounded cautious about rushing his return, adding: "I wasn't meant to be training, but once I was out there it felt good.

"It went well but we'll just have to see how it is this. I'm still restricted on many things but overall it felt great."

Beckham's appearance in training came just a day after he return to California from London, where he visited his ill father, Ted, over the weekend.