Beckham looks to freshen up for Euro 2008

Former England captain David Beckham feels he would be a much fitter and fresher player by the time Euro 2008 kicks off, thanks to his move from Europe to the LA Galaxy in the United States.

London, Aug 30 : Former England captain David Beckham feels he would be a much fitter and fresher player by the time Euro 2008 kicks off, thanks to his move from Europe to the LA Galaxy in the United States.

"Hopefully, if we do qualify for Euro 2008, I will be a lot more rested than people playing in the Premier League. That is a big advantage of being in the USA, where the fixture calendar is different. It is also the advantage of the shorter season from April to October here," said Beckham, who joined his new team in July.

"In England, this was always an issue when we don't go as far as expected in tournaments. People look for reasons and excuses. It always comes up that Premier League players are tired," said the former Real Madrid star, who broke a metatarsal before the 2002 World Cup and was also struggling for fitness at Euro 2004.

"If we make it to the finals, I will be a lot fresher going into games," the Daily Express quoted him, as saying. Beckham will join the England squad on Sunday for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia next month.

ANI