David Beckham stays focused on 2010 World Cup
David Beckham insists his chances of playing in the 2010 World Cup will not be hindered by his decision to play in the United States.
The former Real Madrid midfielder captained his country for the friendly against Trinidad & Tobago last night, however some critics claim that when England's qualifying campaign begins in September the constant long-haul fights back to Europe will take their toll on the 33-year-old.
But Beckham, who plays for Major League Soccer's (MLS) Los Angeles Galaxy, remains adamant that not only is the standard in the United States higher than people imagine, but that he will do everything possible to continue playing for his country.
"The standard in the USA is higher than anyone thinks and expects," he said. "America is a great place to play and the standard is improving all the time. 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 can switch from playing in the USA at the weekend to then playing on a Wednesday against one of the best teams in the world and the best players in the world.
"I'll always be the same player that, if given two or three yards, I can cross a ball into the danger area. People have said I've lost my pace but I've never had a major amount of pace anyway. 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.
"I wouldn't be putting myself forward if I couldn't physically do it still. 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. 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 has forced his way back into the starting line-up after a year in the wilderness under Steve McClaren, but he knows his place is far from guaranteed.
"There are a lot of young players coming through, good players, and you have to accept sometimes that you're not going to start," Beckham said. "But you'll accept anything if you're still part of the squad. I'm a very passionate person about playing for my country and I want that to continue as long as possible.
"I want that to continue whether I'm a squad player, a sub or a player who comes on and takes a free-kick. If I can play at the highest level, I want to be a part of that still."
