After a long couple of days out of the limelight, David Beckham resumes his usual place on the backpages following England's 3-1 friendly win over Croatia. Captain fantastic is saluted by all papers for flying home from Spain to score England's first goal and lay on the second for Michael Owen.
Beckham's performance was overshadowed by that of fellow midfielder Frank Lampard, according to The Guardian.
Lampard thumped in a stunning third goal to impress Sven-Goran Eriksson, while former West Ham colleague Joe Cole was also singled out.
Tabloid reaction on Wales' 1-0 loss to Serbia & Montenegro was sympathetic.
 | THE HEADLINES Independent: Cole's loan fuels Crespo speculation Daily Telegraph: Henman faces Roddick The Times: Cole makes way at Chelsea The Sun: Sven: Cresp in the bag The Guardian: Vaughan primed to take a grip Daily Express: Welcome Beck Daily Mirror: Dragon slayed by the Dragan Daily Mail: Becks is back Daily Star: Boum time for Houl |
"Dragon slayed by the Dragan" says the Daily Mirror, referring to Mark Hughes' men slumping at the hands of a Dragan Mladenovic goal.
Never far from the media gaze, Chelsea's expanding squad take pride of place.
Most papers agree that a deal for Inter Milan super striker Hernan Crespo is getting closer.
But The Sun goes one step further, claiming that a �25m deal for the Argentine will be struck on Thursday.
Ahead of the fourth Test between England and South Africa at Headingley, The Guardian opines that home skipper Michael Vaughan is now ready to tighten his grip on the England team.
And, in tennis, The Daily Telegraph laments Tim Henman's draw for the US Open.
The British number one must take on tournament favourite Andy Roddick in the first round.
MMIX
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