Beckham: MLS play won’t hamper England chances

[TheGift]

David Beckham insists playing in the United States during the next two years will not hinder his chances of fulfilling a dream and appearing in the 2010 World Cup finals with England.

Beckham is currently fresh and firing on cylinders at the beginning of the MLS season, and he captained England in Sunday’s friendly international against Trinidad and Tobago.

It may prove more challenging and demanding when the 33-year-old has to make constant long-haul fights to be part of Fabio Capello’s plans for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, which starts in September.

But the Los Angeles Galaxy superstar is adamant the standard in America is higher than many people imagine, and he will do everything possible to continue playing for his country.

“America is a great place to play and the standard is improving all the time,” Beckham said. “People say ‘Can you play at this level or that level’ but it doesn’t change me as a player.

“I’m always going to be the same player - whether I’m playing in Spain, England or the USA. That won’t affect my game. I’ll always be the same player that, if given two or three yards, I can cross a ball into the danger area.”

Beckham also denied claims that he is nearing retirement.

“People have said I’ve lost my pace but I’ve never had a major amount of pace anyway,” Beckham said. “I have never really been someone who has gone past players. Fitness-wise, I feel I can carry on for a few years. If I felt I couldn’t carry on, maybe I’d turn around and retire from international football but that is not the case.

“Of course, things can change. At the moment I am taking each game as it comes. Who knows what is around the corner? You can have extreme highs and lows. I’ve had those in the last couple of years, but I wouldn’t be putting myself forward if I couldn’t physically do it still.”

Even though it is still two years away, Beckham is already getting excited about the chance to play in the World Cup.

“I still feel I can perform at the highest level, and it is exciting to play again under Fabio Capello, who is a great manager,” he said. “I want to be part of the squad for the 2010 World Cup if at all possible. The manager has already said if I stay fit and I am performing, then I’ve got a chance to be in the squad.”

Beckham: MLS play won't hamper England chances - World Soccer - Yahoo! Sports