Beckham finally back in the fold as FIFA lay the law down to Galaxy

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FIFA have warned Los Angeles Galaxy they will not be able to prevent David Beckham playing in England friendlies - the day the former England skipper finally returned to the international set-up following a year in the cold.

Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas only wants to release the midfielder for competitive internationals, but FIFA insist the club will have no choice if Beckham continues to be picked by England manager Steve McClaren.

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Back in the fold: David Beckham trains with England today

A FIFA spokesman said: "The same rules apply for everybody - for all national associations, for any club, for any player.

"Players must be released for friendly or competitive games if they are on the international calendar and the required notice is given.

"The only difference in competitive and friendly games is regarding the time-frames that players must be available before the games.

"Under the regulations, all players are equal."

Galaxy have sold thousands of season tickets on the back of Beckham's arrival but with England matches coming up against Israel, Russia twice and Estonia - with the possibilities of friendlies in between - he would be needed on this side of the Atlantic.

Lalas said: "I don't want to stand in the way of a player representing his country but we have to be prudent and understand they have to be the appropriate games.

"I would think they would have to be competitive matches.

"If it works out scheduling-wise, we would be happy to let him go. But he has a responsibility on and off the field to our organisation and to our support. I think he is excited about pursuing that responsibility.

"I would never stand in the way of a player doing that as long as it is reasonable and they understand they have responsibilities to the club.

"But we have a responsibility to make sure David's health is looked after. This is a hell of a trip he is going to be taking by coming to the United States and it can take its toll."

Meanwhile, Beckham wore England colours again for the first time since the World Cup last year as Steve McClaren's squad were put through their paces during training at London Colney.

Beckham last wore the Three Lions some 331 days ago when England were knocked out in Germany by Portugal.

The first major decision of McClaren's reign was to drop the Real Madrid midfielder from his squad but England's fortunes have dipped without the 32-year-old.

Following confirmation of his recall at the weekend, Beckham travelled back to England from Spain and was last off the coach when the squad arrived at Arsenal's training facilities.

McClaren initially worked away from the squad as they warmed up in preparation for their training session.

Beckham lined-up in a midfield four along with Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard during a 10-a-side drill.

The squad were given running exercises while Beckham jogged and stretched with Chris Neville from England's back room staff.

Beckham then signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans before boarding the team bus.

 

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