Edu Disappointed He Won't Be Able To Take On Beckham

Rangers midfielder rues absence of Los Angeles Galaxy star.

By Michael Wade/Goal dot com

Rangers and USA midfielder Maurice Edu has admitted that the absence of former England captain David Beckham from this summer's World Cup has taken some of the shine off the competition.

Edu hopes to be in Bob Bradley’s starting XI for their opening Group C fixture with England but veteran Beckham is missing due to an Achilles injury and the former MLS man spoke of his disappointment at not being able to go toe-to-toe with someone he admires.

He told the official Rangers website: "I must admit, when we were drawn with England, I fancied trying to get the better of Beckham. He's been one of the best in his position for the last 10 years or so.

"It's going to be so difficult for him to watch from the sidelines - and I should know. I was supposed to be in South Africa last summer for the Confederations Cup with the American team, but there was no chance because of my knee."

Edu, who previously played for Toronto in the MLS before joining Rangers for £2.6 million, missed the first half of the season through injury before returning to make 20 appearances after December.