Beckham picks up groin injury

David Beckham expects to be fit for England's Euro 2004 qualifier against Macedonia on Saturday.

Beckham revealed he had picked up a slight groin strain during Real Madrid’s Primera Liga encounter with Villarreal tonight.

England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is already without midfielders Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard and Trevor Sinclair, while Nicky Butt and Kieron Dyer also have concerns over their match fitness.

However, speaking after tonight’s match in Spain, Beckham said: “We’ll have to see what it’s like tomorrow, but I don’t think it’ll be a problem.”

After the full-time whistle in Spain there was a security scare for Beckham when fans ran onto the pitch at El Madrigal, one getting close enough to put his arm around the superstar’s shoulder before being apprehended by stewards.

Beckham continued his successful start for Real Madrid, following his move from Manchester United.

He was fully involved in a thrilling encounter, setting up a late equaliser for Antonio Nunez, who headed in his corner after Sonny Anderson had netted in spectacular fashion for the home side.

The midfielder was cautioned at the end of the first half following a two-footed lunge on Rodolfo Arruabarrena.

The rash challenge left him grimacing on the floor, although he was soon up and running again.

Beckham – who has this week detailed the breakdown of his relationship with former boss Alex Ferguson in the serialisation of his new book, My Side, by a national newspaper – played out the full 90 minutes.

He forced several good stops from inspired Villarreal goalkeeper Jose Reina, hitting the target with some trade-mark free-kicks and almost winning the game in the dying stages.