Slow progress for Beckham

David Beckham has stepped up his training but is losing the race to be fit to make his MLS debut for the Los Angeles Galaxy against DC United.

The England midfielder travelled to Washington with the LA Galaxy squad, but is still classified as "questionable" to make the teamsheet.

After three weeks of deep tissue massage as part of his rehabilitation from ankle ligament damage, Beckham began running at the weekend.

And since arriving in the American capital from Toronto, where Galaxy played out a goalless draw on Sunday, he has begun kicking balls.

Beckham said: "It's improving every day. A lot of people, including myself, want it to improve quicker."

What will be in Beckham's favour of making the Galaxy squad is that the game at RFK Stadium is being played on natural grass rather than the artificial FieldTurf surface used by Toronto FC.

"I think it's a huge factor that it's on grass instead of FieldTurf. That's one thing that should change about the league. Every team should have grass. Hopefully I'll play some part of it." Beckham added.

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