Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech added, "He's great for American soccer because he can attract so many people."

The west London club attracted about 80 journalists to its practice on the UCLA campus, along with NBA players Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics and Juan Dixon of the Toronto Raptors.

Although Pierce has never seen Beckham play, he said, "I know the hoopla surrounding him. I know that he signed for $250 million (euro183 million)."

Dixon said he watched the World Cup last year, but he didn't know MLS has a team in Toronto, where he plays in the NBA.

"See? I'm learning every day," he said. "Soccer is huge in Europe, why can't it be huge here? It's very competitive and it's amazing what they do _ the footwork that those guys have out there, the speed and quickness."

Beckham has been nursing a damaged ligament in his left ankle, sustained while playing for England on June 6. The injury flared again when he finished out his contract for Real Madrid, but he expects to recover in time for the game against Chelsea.

"It's always going to add a little bit of spice to it if he plays," Cole said. "I don't think the lads will want to get beat."

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