lsgworldl
10-10-2004, 07:02 PM
David Beckham may be sidelined for up to six weeks after suffering a hairline fracture of a rib in England's 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Wales.
A Football Association spokesman said: "An initial X-ray did not detect it but a second showed a hairline fracture."
The England skipper, who was hurt in a challenge with Ben Thatcher, would have missed Wednesday's game in Azerbaijan anyway after picking up a yellow card.
His Real Madrid team-mate Michael Owen is set to take over as captain in Baku.
Academy: Our guide to common injuries
Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney is delighted with the way England's ploy of playing three strikers at Old Trafford worked.
The Manchester United striker, playing behind Owen and Jermain Defoe, was a constant menace for the Wales defence and hit the post during an impressive performance.
He told the FA's official website: "It was good to have three of us up front and I think it worked well.
"We have a lot of pace between us and I had loads of space to try and play other players in.
"I think I played pretty good in there. I like playing that role and I had a lot of space."
Fifa has officially credited Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard with England's first goal in Saturday's victory.
The ball was deflected in off Owen, who had also claimed the goal, but Fifa ruled that his touch was not deliberate.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/3730132.stm
A Football Association spokesman said: "An initial X-ray did not detect it but a second showed a hairline fracture."
The England skipper, who was hurt in a challenge with Ben Thatcher, would have missed Wednesday's game in Azerbaijan anyway after picking up a yellow card.
His Real Madrid team-mate Michael Owen is set to take over as captain in Baku.
Academy: Our guide to common injuries
Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney is delighted with the way England's ploy of playing three strikers at Old Trafford worked.
The Manchester United striker, playing behind Owen and Jermain Defoe, was a constant menace for the Wales defence and hit the post during an impressive performance.
He told the FA's official website: "It was good to have three of us up front and I think it worked well.
"We have a lot of pace between us and I had loads of space to try and play other players in.
"I think I played pretty good in there. I like playing that role and I had a lot of space."
Fifa has officially credited Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard with England's first goal in Saturday's victory.
The ball was deflected in off Owen, who had also claimed the goal, but Fifa ruled that his touch was not deliberate.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/3730132.stm