Ex-LA Galaxy chief Lalas confident Beckham will play again

Alexi Lalas is upset for David Beckham after he ruptured his Achilles tendon in action for AC Milan yesterday.

Lalas, the Los Angeles Galaxy's general manager when Beckham joined the Major League Soccer franchise, also expressed sympathy.

"It's a horrible situation for him," Lalas told BBC Radio Five Live.

"Personally, I know how much it meant to him to be at a World Cup and how important he was for an England team. I'm sure he's devastated right now.

"He's a very, very important player who's now going to be out for a significant time.

"I don't think this is an injury which keeps him out from playing ever again, but the World Cup, you're talking about three months away.

"I think it would be very, very difficult, next to impossible, but I'm certainly not a doctor.

"But you never want to write off David Beckham - if there's one thing he's taught us it's his ability to bounce back.

"It's devastating I'm sure for him and disappointing for a lot of soccer fans, not just England fans, but David Beckham fans, but US soccer fans and Galaxy fans."