 | We need to see how he feels and just take it slowly |
David Beckham is close to a comeback for the LA Galaxy but will not be rushed into returning too soon for club or country following his knee injury. LA Galaxy president Alexi Lalas said: "We are hopeful David will play a part in our next two home games.
"But if for one instant we feel he is physically or mentally not 100% ready, he will not play for us nor will he play for England."
England have Euro 2008 qualifiers with Estonia and Russia later this month.
Beckham resumed light training on Wednesday for the first time since injuring his knee on 29 August.
The 32-year-old midfielder's early return to training prompted suggestions he could be named in manager Steve McClaren's squad on Friday for England's matches on 13 and 17 October.
But Galaxy coach Frank Yallop said: "He's not played a competitive game. It will be hard to be ready (for England)."
Beckham said after training: "It went well but we'll have to see. I'm still restricted on many things but overall it felt good."
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Yallop, who had expected Beckham to be out for 10 weeks, added: "He's been doing light work by himself for five to six weeks, but it was good to see him out there with the team and with a smile on his face.
"He's not done anything with the team, it's just nice to have him back out there.
"Now we need to see how he feels and just take it slowly."
England are second in Group E, three points behind leaders Croatia, and know anything less than two wins next week will seriously damage their Euro 2008 qualification hopes.
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