Beckham boosts chance of England recall

LONDON, England -- David Beckham improved his chances of winning a 100th England cap after coming through Los Angeles Galaxy's pre-season clash with FC Dallas unscathed in front of Fabio Capello's right-hand man.

England general manager Franco Baldini watched the midfielder play the full 90 minutes of Galaxy's 0-0 draw with their Major League Soccer rivals in the charity match.

The 32-year-old is hoping to prove his fitness ahead of England's friendly against France on March 26, having been omitted by coach Capello for the Italian's first match in charge against Switzerland last month.

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Beckham showed no ill-effects from the ankle injury that plagued his initial season with Galaxy last year.

"It was just like a Premiership game and games I've seen with Fabio Capello," Beckham said the midfielder after the match. "(Baldini) came to see how my fitness is and my form is.

"Some people might think that adds a little added pressure, but from my side, there was no added pressure there. I just had to perform, play the balls I could play and work hard.

"That's just part and parcel for a player playing for his national team. You're always being watched by somebody. It just comes with the territory."

Galaxy head coach Ruud Gullit was pleased with Beckham's contributions.

"David gave us some killer passes that, if we could have converted them, would have made it an easier game," he said. "He played an excellent 90 minutes and I think he is a good example for the younger players on the team.

"He's been playing all 90 minutes for us throughout the pre-season and his fitness level is excellent."

Beckham, who received yellow card for dissent with three minutes remaining, added: "It was a good game and I think we played some good football.

"We created a lot of chances, but the problem is when we don't finish those chances, it's always going to be a close game. I think they performed well, but I think we edged it with so many chances." E-mail to a friend

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