TIME OUT

England, Brazil draw

WEMBLEY: David Beckham returned for England and did just about everything but score. Beckham marked his first appearance since resigning as captain at last year’s World Cup by setting up the team’s goal in a 1-1 friendly draw with Brazil on Friday. Beckham provided the 68th-minute free kick that captain John Terry headed to put England ahead. Only an injury-time goal by Diego denied England victory. England coach Steve McClaren was using the game as preparation for Wednesday’s Euro qualifier at Estonia, and was now sure to include Beckham for a match England must win to boost their hopes of reaching next year’s tournament. — AP

Chelsea sign Pizarro

LONDON: Chelsea signed Claudio Pizarro from Bayern Munich on a free transfer. The 28-year-old Peru striker signed a three-year contract after passing a medical test. According to German reports, he will earn euro3.8 million annually. Bayern signed Italy’s Luca Toni from Fiorentina earlier this week to join Dutch Roy Makaay and German Lukas Podolski as their attacking options, forcing Pizarro to leave. — AP

Flintoff may return

LONDON: England allrounder Andrew Flintoff is likely to return to action before the end of the season after having surgery on his left ankle on Friday. The England and Wales Cricket Board said the surgery was successful, but did not set a date for his return or say whether he was expected to play in England’s Tests against India in July and August. England will play three Tests against India before a series of seven ODIs. — AP