Real Madrid to block Beckham, Owen from England's USA tour

Real Madrid may find it difficult to release England duo David Beckham and Michael Owen for the start of England's tour of the United States in May.

The tour date clashes with the end of season in Spain's La Liga, and if both Beckham and Owen are not released on the weekend of the 28th-29th in May, England coach Sven Goran Eriksson will we forced to travel without two of his first team players.

However, though the FA acknowledge the presence of the two Real Madrid stars will generate much added value in the US, the duo will still be able to play against Colombia in New York on May the 31st.