December 7, 2009
WORLD CUP NOTEBOOK
No Viagra for Brits; Becks not afraid of axe

CAPE TOWN -- The World Cup might be months away, but we're certain to hear of a ton of stories emanating out of England between now and the kick off on June 11.

Here are a few:

Beckham's not afraid

David Beckham, he of the Los Angeles Galaxy and A.C. Milan told Agence-France Presse that he understands he isn't a lock to make the England World Cup team for South Africa.

"Nothing is guaranteed," he told AFP. "I have discovered that is true in my career. But if I can be part of it then it will be amazing."

Becks, however, is ready for the worst.

"If I am not part of that, of course I'd be upset but it is something I would still respect," he said. "It would be because the manager felt it was right in terms of his system and having the best players in the team."

Beckham will start playing for the Serie A side in Italy on a loan from the Galaxy in January.

"Going to Milan doesn't guarantee anything," he said. "It gives me a chance of being in the squad, but it doesn't guarantee it."

No help here

The English F.A. denied a report that coach Fabio Capello had considered the National Team using Viagra to help it playing at altitude in South Africa. According to the report, the drug would help the players' lung capacity.

"There has been no discussion with regard to Viagra," an FA spokesman was quoted by the Associated Press, "and certainly no plans for the players to take it."

U.S. wins "Round 1"

If you're keeping score, it's the U.S. 1, England 0.

OK, it's six months to their June 12 Group C confrontation in Rustenburg, but U.S. international goalkeeper Tim Howard got the better of Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe in Everton's 2-2 draw in the English Premier League Sunday.

Howard denied Defoe on a penalty kick in stoppage time in Liverpool.

Who knows? Perhaps this will be a penalty confrontation when the two sides meet in June.