Injured David Beckham cheers on England vs USA World Cup game (pics)

English soccer players David Beckham left, and Rio Ferdinand share a laugh during the
USA vs. England World Cup match June 12 in Rustenburg, South Africa. Beckham, 35,
won't play at all due to an Achilles tendon injury. (AP Photos/Bernat Armangue)

David Beckham cheered on his countrymen at the USA vs. England World Cup match June 12 despite being unable to play due to injury.

Amazingly, underdog USA drew a 1-1 tie against football giant England, thanks to a lucky goal by Clint Dempsey at the 40-minute mark.

Earlier, England's Steven Gerrard scored a goal just four minutes into the match.

Beckham, 35, rooted his team on from the sidelines, but won't be able to play at all in the 2010 World Cup after tearing his left Achilles tendon March 14. Before the injury, David had been on his way to becoming the only English footballer to play in four World Cups.

INJURED BECKHAM WON'T PLAY IN WORLD CUP AT ALL

Beckham, who played for Manchester United from 1993 to 2003, wore England's blue training kit and attended practice with his team in the weeks preceding the World Cup.

Ironically, England faced off Saturday against the USA, which included David's Los Angeles Galaxy teammates, Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle.

While Donovan had criticized Beckham in a 2008 book, the two have since reconciled, and worked together to help the L.A. Galaxy reach the Major League Soccer championships last year.

"David has been terrific in every way," Donovan, 28, said at a press conference.

He added: "I think he would tell you that initially it was difficult on the field for him to understand the way the game is played in our country but he's adapted well."

Landon also praised Beckham for raising soccer's profile in the U.S. "He's almost single-handedly brought an awareness to our game that wasn't there before," said Donovan. "He puts a lot of effort to helping grow the game in our country, and I think we all appreciate that."

BECKHAM PRAISED AS SOCCER AMBASSADOR

David joined the Galaxy in 2007 and immediately bolstered attendance at MLS games. While Beckham's pro soccer career is winding down, he continues to raise awareness of the game as a goodwill ambassador.

"He has made it clear that whatever effect he's had [on U.S. soccer], he wants to see that continue," said Sunil Gulati, president of the U.S. Soccer Federation.

Beckham, who is married to former Spice Girl VIctoria Beckham, has three sons [see slideshow below].

The 2010 World Cup continues through July 11 in South Africa.

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