England rocked by Beckham injury

England have suffered a major injury scare ahead of September's Euro 2008 qualifiers after David Beckham hurt his knee playing for LA Galaxy.

Beckham, 32, was taken off during the Superliga final with Pachuca after twisting his knee in a block tackle.

"At this stage it's hard to tell, but it doesn't feel good," said Beckham.

"A ligament strain is four to six weeks but we'll have to wait for the results of the scan on Friday. If it is four to six, I won't be flying to England."

Beckham, who has had recent problems with an ankle injury, added: "Maybe it's a sign that I need a rest and don't come back until it's right."

England entertain Israel at Wembley on Saturday 8 September and then host Russia four days later.

The Galaxy lost the match to the Mexicans 4-3 on penalties and Beckham, who stayed in the treatment room after half-time, returned to the touchline in a suit when the match went into extra-time.

"I was on the treatment bed," he said. "But when it went to extra-time I wanted to be out there on the field, cheering the lads on as best I could."

Beckham had earlier been quoted as saying that if England reach the Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland, he will be fitter than he has been at previous international tournaments.

Beckham told the Daily Express: "If we do qualify, I'll 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's also the advantage of the shorter season from April to October here.

"If we make it to the finals, I will be a lot fresher going into games."

Source: BBC Sport