BEIJING, June 8 -- David Beckham's successful return to the England team could be Major League Soccer's loss.

    While MLS and the Los Angeles Galaxy say they are happy that Beckham has resumed his international career, the former national team captain could miss six more games for his new club as he tries to get his country to the 2008 European Championship.

    "I've already said that LA Galaxy will do everything possible to keep me playing for my country and I suppose you could say that in my two games back we're unbeaten," Beckham said after two of his trademark crosses set up goals in England's 3-0 Group E victory at Estonia on Wednesday.

    Galaxy president and general manager Alexi Lalas says Beckham's statement that the MLS club would allow him to play for his country was "absolutely 100 percent correct."

    "We consider it an incredible honor to have our players playing for their national team, and think it's a wonderful statement on David Beckham and the LA Galaxy," Lalas said.

    The problem for Galaxy fans is that England's next six matches, including an August 22 friendly against Germany at Wembley, clash with MLS games.

    Under contract to Real Madrid, Beckham is already missing the first half of the MLS season. If he's called up each time by England, he will be away for six more.

    The day after the match against Germany, the Galaxy faces Chivas USA. On the same day, September 8, that England hosts Israel in a Euro 2008 match, the Galaxy plays Colorado.

    England hosts group rival Russia four days later and the Galaxy takes on Chivas on September 13. England hosts Estonia on October 13 when the Galaxy meets Toronto and, when England goes to Russia four days later, the LA team is preparing for a visit to New York Red Bulls on October 18.

    Then, if the Galaxy makes it to the MLS Cup on November 18, Beckham may be needed for England's November 21 game at home to Croatia.

    Even on the games that don't clash, it seems inconceivable that Beckham could play a game in Europe, fly up to 9,600km and play another the following day.

    Wednesday's victory at Estonia was Beckham's first competitive game for his country since the World Cup. He was dropped by coach Steve McClaren and only recalled two weeks ago. He missed nine England games but has starred for Real Madrid in its surge toward a possible Spanish league title.

    Returning for England's first match at rebuilt Wembley stadium on Friday, Beckham provided the freekick for John Terry to head his team in front in a friendly against Brazil. In Tallinn on Wednesday, his expertly times crosses from the right set up easy goals for Peter Crouch and Michael Owen.

    And yet, McClaren remains noncommittal on whether Beckham has re-established his place in the team.

    "We'll see when the next squad is announced (in August)," McClaren said. "He answers everyone with his performance on the field. I think he's done that in the last two games."

    So will he be involved in the next game?

    "We'll see."

    (Source: Shanghai Daily/Agencies)