Soccer

Rio Ferdinand, the world’s most expensive defender, was left off England’s roster for Saturday’s Euro 2004 qualifying game after skipping a random drug test last month.

Ferdinand, a Manchester United player, denied any drug use and pointed to his record of negative tests.

“I have never used drugs or condoned the use of drugs in sport or in society,” Ferdinand told Associated Press.

If found guilty of a doping offense, Ferdinand, who transferred to Manchester United from Leeds United in July 2002 for $47 million, could face a two-year ban.

Meanwhile, England, which needs at least a tie in Istanbul against Turkey to secure its spot in Portugal next summer, has other problems.

Liverpool striker Michael Owen might not play because of an injured right leg and knee, and Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham is not 100% because of foot and thigh injuries.

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Wynalda Wisdom

Eric Wynalda was named the U.S. player of the decade in 2000 so he knows what it’s like to deal with the pressure of soccer stardom.

Wynalda watched Tuesday as Landon Donovan joined him in becoming the only other two-time winner of the Honda Award, honoring the national team’s top player. Wynalda, 34 and retired from playing, says much has changed since his early playing days and he admires Donovan’s maturity.

“I think it’s much harder now,” Wynalda said. “Under the current circumstances that he has to live with, you’ve got to give him at a lot of credit. At a very young age, I think he’s doing a wonderful job of handling things.

“The pressure, when it comes to a guy like this, has to come from within. The pressure that Landon Donovan decides to put on himself is what will drive him to be a better player and even better than he is now, which is difficult to imagine.”

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McBride Content

Columbus Crew forward Brian McBride hasn’t ruled out a return to playing in Europe, but if it were to happen it would have to occur under different circumstances.

Especially since his wife, Dina, gave birth to a baby girl about four months ago.

“We’re done with loans,” said McBride, who played on loan last spring with Everton in the English Premier League and scored four goals in eight games.

“We’d have to really look at things and do what’s best for our family, but it’s something I think we’d consider, depending on the situation.”

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Quick Passes

Galaxy forward Alejandro Moreno will have to wait for his first chance to play for Venezuela’s national team. Tonight’s friendly against visiting El Salvador at San Cristobal was called off because El Salvador had trouble with its paperwork.... Former England captain Bryan Robson, 46, will take over as Nigeria’s coach in time for the African Nations Cup in January.... Oscar Ruggeri resigned as coach of Argentine club Independiente, two days after a 3-1 loss to Colon.... Toluca midfielder Israel Lopez was suspended for two games by the Mexican Football Federation because of violent conduct in last weekend’s 3-2 loss to Pumas.