Now it’s a sure thing. David Beckham will not be able to play for England in its crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers scheduled for next month due to the injury he picked in the game against the Mexicans from Pachua.

The 32-year-old midfielder admitted Friday that a lack of fitness contributed to the knee injury. Scans showed that Beckham suffers from a sprained medial collateral ligament after twisting awkwardly in the Galaxy’s game.

This injury hit Beckham just as he was finishing his recovery from a older ankle injury, which delayed his debut for Galaxy in the Major League Soccer. The former England captain admitted he is still suffering from the aftereffects.

”I was overcompensating and went into the tackle a little bit weaker than I would have done fully fit,' he said.”

Beckham could be available for England's October 13 Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia. However, this injury and his lack of fitness raised a lot of concerns about whether he will be capable of playing for country and club on both sides of the Atlantic at the same time.

A few weeks ago David played for England in an exhibition match against Germany on Wembley Stadium, and within 24 hours was lining up for LA Galaxy against Chivas USA in California. Beckham failed to deliver for both sides as Enlgand lost 1-2 and Galaxy was hammered 3-0.

The Galaxy have a 3-10 record with five draws and are 13 points behind Colorado for the last Western Conference playoff berth and with Beckham out of action it’s very unlikely that they will gain the lost ground.

England coach Steve McClaren already suffered a big blow as Manchester United’s striker Wayne Rooney is out with injury for the September games against Russia and Israel and there are doubts over Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard.