Frank Yallop, the Los Angeles Galaxy coach, believes that David Beckham’s watching brief in the match against Chivas Guadalajara on Saturday represents a big step forward in the England player’s adjustment to the American game.

Beckham, who has yet to shake off the injury to his left ankle, was present during Yallop’s team talk before the game, watched the match at the Los Angeles Coliseum from the bench and even followed his new coach across the pitch at full time to remonstrate with Courtney Campbell, the referee, after Chivas had recorded a 2-1 win. “He wanted to come to the game and be involved in the dressing-room,” Yallop said. “This was a good learning experience to get him used to the players, when they’re getting ready for matches and how they react, so when it comes along he won’t be surprised about how we prepare for games, my team talks and half-time talks as well.

“We’re just desperate to get him on the field. The fans, the players and everyone at the club want him to be healthy and ready to step on the field. He’s anxious to do that.”

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