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'No problem with David' Ferguson may not want Beckham, but Keegan sure does
Posted: Monday February 21, 2000 11:31 AM
LONDON (AP) -- Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson may not want David Beckham, but England coach Kevin Keegan sure does. Kicked off the 16-member Manchester United club for Sunday's 1-0 victory over Leeds because he missed a practice, Beckham was welcomed with open arms by Keegan on Monday as England prepared for its friendly at Wembley stadium against Argentina. "There was absolutely no problem with David," said Keegan, whose England side is playing the South Americans for the first time since the Argentines knocked them out of the 1998 World Cup quarterfinals. "He trained this morning, and I think he was just glad to get out on to a pitch and train. He's always enjoyed his training. I don't know what happened at the weekend, so I'm not going to comment. But as far as I am concerned he's going to play on Wednesday." Beckham was the goat in the quarterfinal match 19 months ago when he was sent off for a retaliatory kick against Diego Simeone with many England fans vilifying him for England's loss. "From a purely selfish point of view, because he didn't play on Sunday he couldn't get injured," Keegan joked. "It's a Manchester United thing. It's between Alex Ferguson and David Beckham, and as far as I am concerned he's in the right frame of mind to play for England and will play, that's for sure." Beckham, married last year to the Spice Girl Victoria (Posh Spice) Adams, said he missed Manchester United's Friday practice because his young son, Brooklyn, suddenly came down ill. When he showed up Saturday, an angered Ferguson told him to leave, and Beckman wound up watching Sunday's game from the stands. "I don't know what happens at Manchester United training sessions but he trains well with us and he's always on time for his meals," Keegan said. "I have had a little chat with him, but there is nothing that I want to repeat. But don't worry about David Beckham -- he will be all right." Beckham, whose wife is reported to want him playing closer to their home just north of London, would bring a transfer fee of about 30 million pounds (US$48 million) if he decided to leave Man United with some of Europe's top clubs expected to bid for his services. Beckham, speaking through a spokeswoman, also has been angered at Manchester United's threat to fine him 50,000 pounds (US$80,000) for the missed practice. Monday's British papers seemed to side with Ferguson and credited him from cracking down on the midfielder, who has taken to a Hollywood-like lifestyle since marrying his famous wife. "Ferguson puts Beckham in his place," said The Independent. And from the Daily Mail: "Hardline Ferguson humiliates Beckham." "Beckham the United outcast," read a Guardian headline. "Posh vs. United -- now for the real title run-in," said The Express, suggesting that Beckham's wife was the power behind the throne. The England-Argentina friendly is one of about 20 on Wednesday featuring European sides beginning their tune-up for this summer's Euro 2000 Championship. In other key games, European champion Germany faces the Netherlands in Amsterdam, a volatile match between two of the prime favorites for the summer title. Another hot site is Charleroi, Belgium, where Belgium faces Portugal. This match should be a quiet and offers a chance to practice security measures as the small Belgium town braces to host a Euro 2000 match between Germany and England this summer -- two sides notorious for their ho0ligans. In other key games it's: Italy vs. Sweden, Greece vs. Austria, Croatia vs. Spain, France vs. Poland, Hungary vs. Australia, Ireland vs. Czech Republic, Israel vs. Russia, Luxembourg vs. Northern Ireland, Qatar vs. Wales, and Turkey vs. Norway.
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