Becks denies pressure play

Baldini was present at the charity to match on behalf of Fabio Capello to assess the 32-year-old's fitness ahead of England's friendly against France on March 26, a game that could see Beckham earn his 100th cap for his country if he is called up.

The former Manchester United midfielder, who put in a competent performance and played the full 90 minutes, said: "It was just like a Premiership game and games I've seen with Fabio Capello. (Baldini) came to see how my fitness is and my form is. Some people might think that adds a little added pressure, but from my side, there was no added pressure there."

He added: "I just had to perform, play the balls I could play and work hard.

"That's just part and parcel for a player playing for his national team. You're always being watched by somebody. It just comes with the territory."

Beckham took eight corner kicks in the friendly and also just missed the left post with a 25-yard free-kick in the 15th minute.

His passing and through balls were accurate throughout as he showed no ill-effects from the ankle injury that plagued his initial season with Galaxy last year.

"David gave us some killer passes that, if we could have converted them, would have made it an easier game," Galaxy head coach Ruud Gullit said.

"He played an excellent 90 minutes and I think he is a good example for the younger players on the team.

"He's been playing all 90 minutes for us throughout the pre-season and his fitness level is excellent."