Whitecaps vs Beckham... and LA Nov 7th

[Alex]

The Canadian Press

10/22/2007 1:47:28 PM

VANCOUVER - B.C. soccer fans will finally get their chance to see David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy when they play the Vancouver Whitecaps Nov. 7 at B.C. Place Stadium.

The exhibition game was originally scheduled for Oct. 3 but had to be rescheduled after Beckham sprained his right knee in the SuperLiga final against Pachuca of Mexico on Aug. 29. Over 40,000 tickets had been sold for the first match.

"We are ecstatic to be able to confirm a date and move ahead with hosting a spectacular event," Bob Lenarduzzi, the Vancouver Whitecaps president, said in a release.

The Galaxy failed to qualify for the Major League Soccer playoffs but closed out the regular season with five wins, one loss and two ties.

Beckham signed a five-year, US$10-million contract with the Galaxy but his first year with the Galaxy was disrupted by ankle and knee injuries which limited the midfielder to a handful of games.

[The Beaver]

40,000 tickets sold for a game to be played in two week's time, and this is the first I heard of it? Likely I missed out on an earlier announcement, but how do you sell 40,000 tickets so quickly?

Must admit, though, that filling BC place--roughly 60,000 capacity--would be massively cool, and a potentially great sign of things to come should we (Whitecaps) join MLS soon. TFC, Montreal and Vancouver will be the greatest places to play in MLS, with amazing crowds every game.

[hamiltonfan]

ya..you would see alot of pll in the states starting to want the whitecaps in more if they pack BC

[Richard]

You must have been hiding under a rock or living in a cave somewhere not to be aware of the upcoming Whitecaps Galaxy game, especially if you live in Vancouver :-)

40,000 tickets have not been sold over a period of two weeks. The game was announced in mid April this year. Tickets were offered first to season ticket holders then in bundles with Whitecaps USL game packs. By July 9th 33,000 tickets had been sold. Single tickets went on sale to the general public July 7th and to date ticket sales exceed 40,000. The Whitecaps originally expected only to sell out the lower tier at BC Place but the public response has exceeded their wildest expectations already.

[piltdownman]

Well from the people I know the buzz is deal. I have 20 tickets to the game, and am going to have trouble convincing people to go where as in the summer, when the Beckham Buz was big, I wished I had 50 tickets because I had that many people asking me for them.

[analyst]

Who will be playing for the Whitecaps since a number of them have signed to play amateur soccer this fall? For example, Jason Jordan and David Morris signed for Indo FC in the VMSL.

[Canucks fan]

The 'caps are apparently calling in their players for a 2 week training camp.


What I'm wondering now is whether they'll go the extra distance and get rid of the football lines on the field for the game to try and impress people.... I'm guessing probably not, but we can only hope.

[masster]

quote:Originally posted by piltdownman

Well from the people I know the buzz is dead. I have 20 tickets to the game, and am going to have trouble convincing people to go where as in the summer, when the Beckham Buz was big, I wished I had 50 tickets because I had that many people asking me for them.


I agree. Buzz is gone. Everybody was talking about this a couple of months ago. Its too bad because it could have been even bigger.

I'm surprised they are still going ahead with it. I thought they should have just postponed it til next season. Playing a cash grab friendly almost 2 months into the off season is a little bush.

[Calgary Boomer]

quote:Originally posted by masster


quote:Originally posted by piltdownman

Well from the people I know the buzz is dead. I have 20 tickets to the game, and am going to have trouble convincing people to go where as in the summer, when the Beckham Buz was big, I wished I had 50 tickets because I had that many people asking me for them.


I agree. Buzz is gone. Everybody was talking about this a couple of months ago. Its too bad because it could have been even bigger.

I'm surprised they are still going ahead with it. I thought they should have just postponed it til next season. Playing a cash grab friendly almost 2 months into the off season is a little bush.


You make it sound like the Whitecaps knew all along that Beckham would get hurt.

They're merely honouring the tickets that people bought, and at the same time, ensuring that Beckham will play, so that people aren't paying a minimal 25 bucks to see Kevin Harmse.

[Canucks fan]

well I'd pay $25 anyday to see the Galaxy play just so I can boo Landycakes

[Footy]

Morris and Jordan are still profesionally under contract with the Caps ..surprised they are playing for Indo though as the Caps were trying to block players playing in vmsl. As for players expect to see a few new faces on trial to play for the Caps .

[canadianfoot]

Anyone aware if the game will be Televised? Either on a "major" network or even local Shaw ch.4? I believe a lot of ppl would watch it.

[Rudi]

quote:Originally posted by Canucks fan

well I'd pay $25 anyday to see the Galaxy play just so I can boo Landycakes

Indeed :D

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k133/TopDogg79/U-Sector/Aug0207-01.jpg

[Richard]

I am told that due to a schedule conflict at Shaw TV and the short lead time (after finalisation of the new date) which made it impossible to negotiate with any other channel the game will not be televised. It will be on the radio - Team 1040 AM.

[Canucks fan]

The only way they'd ever televise it was if were completely sold out. Even then....

[speedmonk42]

I talk to people about going to this game...

... and they are such a bunch of b*tches.

Why not go to BC Place to see this game with tens of thousands of people....

I mean if it is a success.... then we get more / better teams....

WTF.

[Footy]

quote:Originally posted by speedmonk42

I talk to people about going to this game...

... and they are such a bunch of b*tches.

Why not go to BC Place to see this game with tens of thousands of people....

I mean if it is a success.... then we get more / better teams....

WTF.


So tough to gauge the flavour of the day in Vancouver normally its the Canucks but if they continue to wet the bed .... The BC Lions will benefit and have 45-50 thousand for the western final ... Becks and the Caps missed the hype machine in October so the die hard footy fan may still go the casual sports fan may just give it a miss and spend his cash on the football game or ... hockey.

[Richard]

Well, even if the Whitecaps don't sell another ticket they already have the cash in the bank from 40,000 tickets sold. Just watch the media hype ramp up again as soon as Beckham's ticket to Vancouver is booked or they know the flight number and arrival time at YVR.

[speedmonk42]

Yeah, but I am talking about soccer people who just sit around and whine that everything is so bad....blah blah blah.... but they are not willing to support a unique event.

[Soju]

Those people don't love the game they love the politics. I wish I could be back in Van for this, please kick them in the sack for me speedmonk.

[Richard]

According to Bob Lenarduzzi fewer than 2% of those who bought tickets to the game requested refunds because of the changed game date. The Whitecaps team will be very different from the one that played the USL season this year and Lenarduzzi fully expects some of the residency players to get some minutes. They have signed several new players to short term (two week) contracts to take a look at them and will be using the Galaxy game as an evaluation opportunity.

[speedmonk42]

Anyone want to go for a beer downtown before this game?

[speedmonk42]

Having seen both these teams live in the same season, I would have to say the ball is definately in Vancouver's court.

That is if the ball is the size of a house, made of concrete and the bloody corpses of the crushed Whitecaps players are still stuck to it.

[nolando]

quote:Originally posted by speedmonk42

Anyone want to go for a beer downtown before this game?


I wish, mate. From next April I will back in Van, and we will definitely start having some get-togethers for the BC V's.

[morbital]

quote:Originally posted by Canucks fan

The 'caps are apparently calling in their players for a 2 week training camp.


What I'm wondering now is whether they'll go the extra distance and get rid of the football lines on the field for the game to try and impress people.... I'm guessing probably not, but we can only hope.


no football lines, they'll be washed out

[Rudi]

quote:Originally posted by speedmonk42

Anyone want to go for a beer downtown before this game?

I didn't even realize you had left Toronto! :D

It was great meeting you this year. Hopefully you'll visit us during the next TFC season.

[speedmonk42]

quote:Originally posted by Rudi


quote:Originally posted by speedmonk42

Anyone want to go for a beer downtown before this game?

I didn't even realize you had left Toronto! :D

It was great meeting you this year. Hopefully you'll visit us during the next TFC season.


Yeah. My dad is kind of sick right now. My plans are to return to Montreal/Toronto in January, but I still have to see how things go. Spent yesterday at the hospital.... but he is a tough indestructable bugger that will be around for a long time I am sure.

It was just great meeting all you guys this summer. I definitely plan on repeating it.

[Rudi]

I hope your dad has a speedy recovery!

[Richard]

Whitecaps roster for the Galaxy game is set...

http://www.bcsoccerweb.com/articles-november/whitecaps-nov-01a.htm

[loyola]

quote:Originally posted by Richard

Whitecaps roster for the Galaxy game is set...

http://www.bcsoccerweb.com/articles-november/whitecaps-nov-01a.htm


Even if they aren't likely to play, it's nice to see Adam Straith and Randy Edwini-Bonsu in the squad for that game.

[tovan]

The Georgia Straight: Sports
Vancouver Whitecaps hope David Beckham contest will bring out their best
Publish Date: November 1, 2007

As happens wherever he goes, David Beckham will be the focus of attention when his L.A. Galaxy finally makes its way to Vancouver to face the Whitecaps on Wednesday (November 7). And although the Whitecaps are thrilled with the excitement that Beckham's visit is attracting and the exposure his appearance is giving to soccer locally–they're expecting a crowd at B.C. Place well in excess of 40,000–the 'Caps' management and coaching staff will readily admit their interest in this "friendly" goes far beyond Beckham.

In addition to the locals who will suit up for the home side, the Whitecaps are using this game with Major League Soccer's Galaxy to audition a handful of free agents for next year's United Soccer League season. Defender Omar Jarun, forward Darren Spicer, and midfielder Joey Worthen have signed two-week trial contracts, the team announced on October 24. So while the game is a showcase for the sport and one of its megastars, it's also serving as a talent search for the Whitecaps.

"We will be having some players come in from other teams in the USL that are in the free-agent market that will be under a bit of trial leading up in the training and will be part of the game, and eventually we may have them under consideration for contract for the 2008 season," said Todd Wawrousek, interim head coach of the 'Caps. Wawrousek will coach the Galaxy exhibition game, while the team is still on the hunt for a full-time replacement for Bob Lilley, whose contract wasn't renewed following the team's disappointing playoff loss to Portland. "It [the opportunity to audition free agents] is a rather unique environment and one that's quite timely… That's exciting for us, and it's part of our transition period in the change that we made to have a new coach on board."

As the home team–and a club stepping up to go against a side from North America's top professional soccer league–the Whitecaps are taking this challenge seriously, which is one of the reasons for the airlift of talent. By game time, it will have been six weeks since the abrupt end to their USL season, which is why Wawrousek has been working with the local lads since the middle of October to shake the rust and get ready for Beckham and the Galaxy.

"We've already had three weeks of training with the 10 or 11 players that are local," Wawrousek explained. "And we have a few of our players who play indoors that will be joining us… It's been incumbent on them to prepare with their cardio and keeping themselves sharp in preparation for this… We anticipate a group that will be pretty sharp, and obviously we'll have to fine-tune that in the days leading up."

Originally, the 'Caps-Galaxy game was scheduled for October 3, until Beckham suffered a knee injury. The Galaxy then got on a late-season run but fell just short of qualifying for the MLS playoffs. Once L.A.'s playoff fate was sealed, the Whitecaps were able to launch Beckhamania, setting the November 7 date under the dome.

"It's very exciting for us to play at that level," Wawrousek said. "Both teams will approach the game with [the aim of] putting on a very entertaining product. It's our goal to put forward a team that's going to play an exciting brand of soccer, and that's certainly coupled with some of the disappointments that we found with our regular season…we want to get back at it and put on a good performance."

And Wawrousek is hoping Beckham puts on a good show too. At 32, the former captain of England's national team is no longer a dominant figure on the field, due largely to injuries that limited him to just eight appearances in his first year with the Galaxy. But he can still draw a crowd, as evidenced by the ticket sales here and the fact that 70,000 are expected to show up to see the Galaxy when Beckham makes his first-ever trip to Australia later in November.

"He is recovering from injury, and I'm not in a position to comment right now on whether he is at full health or whether he is in a recovery period," Wawrousek said. "I know that he came on in the last two games of the regular season and complemented them in the second half. The word is that he's not completely back at this point. We hope that the period between now and the seventh–they don't have any other matches between now and then–he'll be able to get fit and be able to contribute for a good, large chunk of the game and may play the entire game. But that's certainly up to the coach of the Galaxy [Frank Yallop]."

Although not confirmed, it has been widely reported that there is a contractual obligation on the part of the Galaxy to ensure Beckham plays at least 45 minutes of the game against the Whitecaps (a similar agreement with the Galaxy's Australian opponent, Sydney FC, is said to be 55 minutes). Regardless how much time Beckham sees on the field, the fact he's here at all is a big boost for soccer, local fans, and the Whitecaps.

"It's a chance to see David Beckham, who is one of the most prominent players in the world, even though he is not considered to be, at this point, a young man any more," Wawrousek noted. "But he certainly still has great talent and is a joy to watch and is exciting to watch… And it's also a chance for us to have the exposure to a larger audience as we move forward into the next season, and for those people to be exposed to a high-level game. And maybe we can convert some new fans into being supporters of the Whitecaps."

That's what the upcoming game is all about: stealing the sports spotlight from the Canucks and Lions and shining it on soccer, even if it's just for one night. Fans get to see the biggest name in the game, the Whitecaps get to look at a couple of players they're interested in for next season, and soccer comes out as the big winner on the night, regardless of the scoreboard.

Link: http://www.straight.com/article-116342/vancouver-whitecaps-hope-david-beckham-contest-will-bring-out-their-best

[speedmonk42]

Any word on how ticket sales are going?

[morbital]

40,000+

[Footy]

Well I guess we wont see Frank Yallop in town tommorow as he has resigned from LA to sign a 3 year deal with San Jose.

[Excumbrian]

I have 3 spare tickets for sale to tonight's game AT COST. Anyone interested call 604 594 7152 before 5 pm pacific tonight

[Ed]

The hype is going a bit overboard out there on the left coast. Some wag in one of the poor Vancouver rags described Beckham as sounding like "a Sutter" in the press conference.
Posse has left Viking, AB headed west about an hour ago.

[Winnipeg Fury]

quote:Originally posted by Canucks fan

The only way they'd ever televise it was if were completely sold out. Even then....



Gol TV is televising the game live. They are also offering free previews of Gol for the day, so everyone should be able to watch the match.

[Krammerhead]

Aren't the free previews only available to people who have a cable box? If so, it won't be available to everybody.

[BearcatSA]

Harmse, with his hair growing out, is looking more and more like Seth Rogan from "Knocked Up" fame.

[nolando]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mls/news?slug=txgalaxyfriendly&prov=st&type=lgns

[Calgary Boomer]

Wow...just reading these posts and the ones on Big Soccer from Galaxy fans...

What was everyone expecting? Two teams without a manager, weeks since a competitive match, "loan and trial" players, a horrible pitch...

It was what it was; a circus, designed to get people talking about soccer, and more importantly maybe putting a spark in the SNAILS PACE stadium process.

[Winnipeg Fury]

Obviously the players were a bit rusty, but overall I was impressed by the performance of the Whitecaps, who clearly should have won the game. A bit of finishing up front, and it could have been a solid victory for Vancouver.

Great to see Gol show the game on a free preview basis and I thought they did a great job of it.

Well done Whitecaps. Hopefully they will convert at least a thousand season-tickets out of the match and make a few bucks.

[Free kick]

quote:Originally posted by Calgary Boomer

Wow...just reading these posts and the ones on Big Soccer from Galaxy fans...

What was everyone expecting? Two teams without a manager, weeks since a competitive match, "loan and trial" players, a horrible pitch...

It was what it was; a circus, designed to get people talking about soccer, and more importantly maybe putting a spark in the SNAILS PACE stadium process.


I am at loss to understand the time and purpose of this match. Obviously, you never want to pass up on this opportunity if you are the Caps. And, nobody will dispute the fact that holding it wasn't a good idea. And most importantly, as noted, it gets immense coverage and gets people talking soccer. Thats all good.

But why play it now? No coaches, players are out of form, rosters are not set, carryover effect in marketing and ticket sales is limited because the next season is so far away. Why not cancell it and reschedule it in preseason of next year. Include the game as part of the ticket package. Thats how you leverage the beckham effect to grow the game. But what a wasted opportunity it was to play now.

[Ed]

Becks is available, the Galaxy are available. You'd rather they play it in the middle of the NHL playoffs? Right.
I liked a couple of the comments at the BS LA Galaxy forum.
On the crowd:
"Does this huge stadium double as a library?
it is so frigging quiet in there.
are the canadians waiting for the puck to drop."
and, regarding the streaker:
"announcer said Becks tried to hit him with the ball. Did he?
Ha! Then they said they didn't realize it was that cold out on the pitch. wink, wink."
and
"I knew Frank Yallop was going to find some way to get on the pitch tonight..."


Edited thanks to Rudi's observations. Meant to put in the real quote the first time but forgot.

[Rudi]

quote:Originally posted by Ed

On the crowd:
"Why is the crowd so quiet? Are they waiting for the puck to drop?"

I saw that quote, and it was more along the lines of "are the Canadians waiting for the puck to drop?"

Which is ironic, of course, given that Canadians in Toronto have instantly vaulted themselves to one of the best fanbases in the league, far better than the plastic Bex Ball Watchers in LA.

[Free kick]

quote:Originally posted by Rudi


quote:Originally posted by Ed

On the crowd:
"Why is the crowd so quiet? Are they waiting for the puck to drop?"

I saw that quote, and it was more along the lines of "are the Canadians waiting for the puck to drop?"



Canada played an international freindly angainst the US in San Diego a few years ago. One of the chants they had going was : " Stick to Curling"..clap clap......." Stick to Curling"..clap clap

[nazzer]

So will the 40,000 fans attending this match do anything to help vancouvers chances at getting an MLS team?

[piltdownman]

The official attendance was 48,172. I went and had a really great time. As did everyone I went with. It might not have been the most exciting match, but neither were many of the games in swangard this year. It was great to see the Caps outplay the galaxy, as I was expecting the Galaxy to win going in to this. Overhearing people there on the way out was encouraging. Everyone I heard enjoyed themselves. And I heard people talking about the new stadium, which is a really good thing.

[piltdownman]

quote:Originally posted by nazzer

So will the 40,000 fans attending this match do anything to help vancouvers chances at getting an MLS team?


It still comes down to the stadium issue. I really don't think the MLS is at a point where they can turn down any franchise with a sss, stable ownership and buy in fees. I do think this game will help the stadium issue. As I would hope that showing that 48k people will show up for a one off, supports that the team has a need for a 15-20k stadium.

[Grizzly]

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/2007/11/08/4639292-cp.html


Becks draws a big crowd
48,172 turn out to see midfielder
By Jim Morris, THE CANADIAN PRESS



LA Galaxy David Beckham (23) keeps the ball away from Vancouver Whitecaps Roger Levesque (22) during the first half. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sam Leung

Beckham says he respects Pele
Beck's golden boot in the Dome
Beckham woos media in Vancouver



VANCOUVER - He didn't weave any of his magic on the pitch, but David Beckham still cast a spell over a huge crowd Wednesday night.

Beckham didn't score. He didn't feather any pretty passes or launch one of his trademark bending kicks, but he still held the attention of 48,172 fans who watched his L.A. Galaxy play to a 0-0 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps in a friendly at B.C. Place Stadium.

"It's a shame there wasn't any goals but we enjoyed the game," the former England captain said after the match. "We came at each other but couldn't break each other. It was a great crowd out there and I hope they enjoyed it."

Limited to just five Major League Soccer games this season due to injuries, Beckham surprised himself by playing over 72 minutes against the Whitecaps.

"I was meant to play only half the game but I felt stronger and stronger as the first half went on and wanted to play a little longer," he said. "Then it was time for me to come off and give other


players a chance to have a run around."



When he left the game, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder waved and applauded the crowd as he walked off the pitch. The minute he was gone, many people began streaming to the exits.

The game itself may have been bland but the night supplied other forms of excitement.

The match was delayed briefly in the second half when a man leaped on the pitch, stripped off his clothes, and ran naked around the field.

The antics brought a roar from the crowd. Beckham was shown on television laughing with one of his teammates.

"I've seen it before," Beckham chuckled afterwards. "We've had it a few times in Europe. You try and run the other way."

There also was a cheer when a man proposed to his girlfriend on the big TV screen.

Despite the distractions there was no doubt everyone came to see Beckham.

The crowd cheered each time he touched the ball. Cameras flashed in the stands every time he took a corner kick.

There was a buzz of excitement near the end of the first half when Beckham lined up for one of his patented free kicks. He sent a long ball into the box that was harmlessly knocked away.

Whitecap midfielder Martin Nash said sometimes he had to remind himself not to be a spectator.

"He's got an amazing touch and great feel for the ball and great vision," said Nash, the younger brother of Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash. "It's nice to see it in action.

"He has small movements to make himself available and get space. He wasn't on fire with his passing today, he's still coming back off injury, but he did some great things."

Beckham, one of the most recognizable sports stars on the planet, signed a five-year, US$32-million contract with the Galaxy and was introduced by the team in July. By signing the former England captain, the MLS hoped to raised soccer's profile in North America.

The 32-year-old scored one goal before being sidelined with a knee injury for seven weeks.

Beckham had the crowd cheering midway through the opening half when he dribbled the ball down the middle of the field. The sprint ended with him being sent head-over-heels by a sliding tackle from Vancouver's Lyle Martin.

Beckham was seen reaching back for his hamstring for several minutes after the hard landing. He also bent over to stretch his legs, but continued to play.

Beckham was impressed by the Whitecaps determination.

"We knew they were going to come at us," he said. "We knew they had a few players that were pretty dangerous and they passes the ball around well. They played well tonight."

After the game Beckham hobbled off the pitch. He said his ankle was stiff but other than that he felt fine.

"I'm still trying to get my fitness back," said Beckham, who wore a blue suit with a poppy in the lapel when he spoke to reporters. "It's my second game in four days. My fitness will pick up in the next few games as well."

Bob Lenarduzzi, the Whitecaps president, was a cross between relieved and thrilled after the game.

"It went almost as well as can be expected," he said. "It would have been nice to get a goal (but) I was pleased we came out and tired to take the game to them."

Lenarduzzi won't say how much it cost to bring Beckham and the Galaxy to Vancouver.

"It's a significant amount," he said. "They are getting a significant amount and we're still doing OK."

B.C. Place, usually the home for B.C. Lions CFL games, had a festive atmosphere. A huge Canadian flag hung over the boards at one end. One person waved an English flag. Fans came decked out in jerseys of their favourite soccer teams.

At half time Steve Nash, the two-time NBA MVP who grew up in Victoria, gave a taped announcement on the big TV screening wishing the Whitecaps good luck.

"It was a great atmosphere and it was great so many people came out and watched the game," said Beckham. "There was a streaker and other things."

[Massive Attack]

quote:Originally posted by piltdownman


quote:Originally posted by nazzer

So will the 40,000 fans attending this match do anything to help vancouvers chances at getting an MLS team?


It still comes down to the stadium issue. I really don't think the MLS is at a point where they can turn down any franchise with a sss, stable ownership and buy in fees. I do think this game will help the stadium issue. As I would hope that showing that 48k people will show up for a one off, supports that the team has a need for a 15-20k stadium.


I actually disagree. I think MLS won't turn anyone down, as long as they come up with the franchise fee, and they seem reasonably sane. Seattle is proof that you don't need a stadium plan.

[Winnipeg Fury]

Beckham back for England

AFP
November 9, 2007
LONDON (AFP) - David Beckham has been recalled to England's squad for their forthcoming matches against Austria and Croatia.

Beckham had missed England's last four games with a knee injury but the LA Galaxy midfielder is back for next Friday's friendly in Austria and the final Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley the following Wednesday.

England coach Steve McClaren flew to Los Angeles last weekend to assess Beckham's fitness and he left convinced the former Manchester United star is ready to handle two matches in six days, despite barely having played for his club in the last 10 weeks.

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Beckham should win his 98th and 99th caps for his country in these two matches, but could be left stuck one short of a century if England fail to qualify for Euro 2008.

McClaren admitted he was keen to bring Beckham back into the fold because he wants to draw on as much experience as possible for the Croatia.

"He hasn't played games but is included because, with the likes of Rio Ferdinand and John Terry out, we are lacking experience," McClaren said. "We need big game players and David Beckham is one of them.

"Believe me, this Croatia match will be a big game. I've always believed that. You need your experienced, big-time players in these matches.

"I needed to check on David's injury and I've done that. I've spoken to his medical and fitness people. The injury is fine and his fitness is fine."

With speculation mounting that England's likely elimination from the race for Euro 2008 will see McClaren lose his job, the coach has named a 26-man squad for what could be his last two matches in charge.

England captain Terry is missing as he recovers from knee surgery, while Manchester United defender Ferdinand has been left out because he is suspended for the qualifier.

Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole returns after an ankle injury and Manchester United midfielder Owen ********** is also back from injury.

England's fate will be effectively sealed if Russia beat Israel on Saturday, as the Russians will then only need to see off minnows Andorra to qualify ahead of McClaren's team.

The beleaguered coach won't watch the Russia match because he will be travelling back to England with his squad, but he remains convinced all is not lost.

"We've just got to hope that Israel, a proud nation with a great home record, can get a result," McClaren said. "Croatia go to Macedonia as well and that is not an easy game.

"I still believe that this Croatia game at Wembley will be the decider.

"We've got to be positive. The disappointment is we are in a situation when it is out of our hands. That is the big regret we've got."

McClaren will use the friendly in Vienna to give Beckham and Cole much needed playing time after their injuries.

"We are focusing on Austria because it will be good preparation for Croatia.

"We're not going to take any risks with players. But the likes of Ashley Cole and David Beckham have't played so it might be an opportunity to give them match practice."

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Paul Robinson (Tottenham), David James (Portsmouth), Scott Carson (Liverpool, on loan at Aston Villa)

Defenders: Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Nicky Shorey (Reading), Wes Brown (Manchester United), Sol Campbell (Portsmouth), Joleon Lescott (Everton), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Phil Neville (Everton)

Midfielders: David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Owen ********** (Manchester United), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Ashley Young (Aston Villa), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), David Bentley (Blackburn Rovers)

Strikers: Alan Smith (Newcastle), Michael Owen (Newcastle), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham)