Beckham set for England farewell

MANCHESTER UNITED midfielder Ryan Giggs believes David Beckham will be disappointed at being told his international career is over — but that his former team-mate’s main focus will be on getting back to full fitness with Los Angeles Galaxy.

England coach Fabio Capello said prior to Wednesday’s friendly win over Hungary that the former skipper was “too old” for the international game, as the Italian looks to rebuild following a disastrous World Cup. Capello has since said he will pick Beckham for one more home friendly in order for fans to say their goodbyes to the 115-cap midfielder.

Beckham returned to full training with the Galaxy yesterday as he steps up his recovery from the achilles tendon injury that saw him miss the World Cup and Giggs, who played alongside Beckham for United between 1993 and 2003, feels completing his rehabilitation will be the 35-year-old’s main goal. “I think Becks’ main aim is to get fit as he has been out for a few months,” said Giggs.

“This will be a massive disappointment as I know how much he loves playing for his country and there is no-one in the world who can do what he can do: deliver pin-point crosses, match-winning free-kicks, and he is an overall great player.”

Capello may no longer have any use for Beckham but West Ham have sent the former England captain an open invitation to join the club. West Ham co-chairman David Gold first approached Beckham’s representatives at the end of last season about a loan deal. While Gold admitted a playing move is unlikely, West Ham want to use Beckham as ambassador to help them secure a move into the new London Olympic Stadium.

“We showed interest at the end of the season and asked would he come and join us, maybe just for half a season on loan,” Gold said.

“Sadly, his commitments are such that this is probably not going to happen now. The January transfer window doesn’t look possible, but we still have an open invitation to David to join us. Our belief is he is still a great player and it would be a fantastic statement if he came to West Ham. He’s an east end boy and it would be a fitting end to his career.”