Beckham made his first start for the Galaxy on yesterday - scoring once with a curling free-kick and creating a goal for Landon Donovan as his new team beat DC United 2-0 in a SuperLiga semi-final at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

He was due to fly to America's east coast on Thursday with the Galaxy squad for Saturday's Major League Soccer clash with the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium, from where he plans to depart for England to join up with Steve McClaren's squad for next week's Wembley friendly against Germany.

Beckham sees no reason why he cannot play in both games and then return to Los Angeles the day after his Wembley appearance for the MLS derby against Home Depot Center co-tenants Chivas USA.

"There is not a conflict, and for the club it's not a conflict," said the former England captain.

"They made me well aware that they would do anything to help me play for my country and they know how passionate I feel about playing for my country - so everyone is working together, and I think that is important. Everyone has got to be on the same page.

"Obviously, it is going to be difficult travel-wise. I will go straight to New York if my ankle is fine and I will play some minutes in New York.

"I fly from New York either Saturday night or Sunday, then meet up with the (England) team on Monday; we play Wednesday, and I fly back Thursday morning.

"I think I arrive back about 12 noon and we've got a game that evening. I hope I'll be physically ready to play some part in that game as well. I hope it will all be good."

Beckham played 63 minutes against DC United before being substituted, and he immediately had his troublesome left ankle packed in ice as he watched the rest of the game from the bench.

The Galaxy midfielder also had treatment in the dressing room following the final whistle on the ankle ligament damage he sustained playing for Real Madrid in June, after spraining it during England's Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia.

"I had to have my legs flushed through and get any of the little knots that were actually in my legs," he said.

"This was the first time I've been on the field in eight weeks or done any sort of running like that. I had to get some treatment ... the ankle was a lot better than I actually thought it was going to be. After 10 minutes, it is all cleared up."

Beckham praised his team's efforts - and of his first start for the Galaxy, he said: "I was happy to get an hour on the pitch.

"I didn't expect to last an hour. It felt great after 10 minutes into the game.

"My confidence got up with my ankle, and I felt great. I was happy to be out there for 60 minutes - but as a rule, it was a great team performance.

"It was a great goal by Landon. Also we had a great bit of luck with my goal and with Landon's, and with some of the opportunities that we had.

"It was important for me to get on the pitch and play some minutes. I think that was the most important thing for me. I know once I was on the pitch I can play well and help the team, and that is all that was on my mind - helping the team and helping us into the final to get our season on the way."

Beckham was at ease with his switch from the right wing to a central midfield role for the Galaxy.

"I'm always comfortable with changing positions or playing in the middle or playing on the right," he said.

"I played most of my first season with Real Madrid in the middle and I played the European Cup final for Manchester United in the middle - so I am comfortable with that position.

"I enjoyed it. I think it gave me a chance to get on the ball and get my confidence up with my ankle."