Galaxy’s David Beckham about to make magazine history

Well, his team might stink like last week’s mackerel. And his back cry out in pain; we’re not even sure if David Beckham will suit up this week or sit out a second consecutive L.A. Galaxy date.

But Beckham remains one dashingly handsome man. How handsome?

Enough that he’s about to make history. Word comes from England that he’ll be the first male cover model for Elle UK.

It’s for Elle’s July issue, which will be on sale in late May. (We’re still using that completely unstable magazine delivery schedule? Shouldn’t that be antiquated by now, a relic of another day, along the lines of pagers and Alf?)

Beckham’s preening and pretty presence is attached to the London Olympics, of course. But that begs the question: what if he isn’t part of the Olympics. Or what if he doesn’t get the preferred, on-field role? Beckham once seemed like a boxer-brief snug fit to lead the young UK side, possibly as captain. But as “done deals” go, this is looking less done and less like a deal.

Yahoo Sports’ Martin Rogers has a lot to say about it, including this:

However, after being one of several Galaxy players to underperform for the reigning MLS Cup champion that is now in last place in MLS’s Western Conference, Beckham needs a swift upturn in form and confidence in order to be sure of his place in the British lineup. … While selecting Beckham would be a strongly symbolic gesture – he grew up just a few miles from the Olympic Park in East London and played a crucial role in the bidding process that saw London awarded the event – head coach Stuart Pearce is determined that every player earn their place.”

On the field, by the way, the Galaxy’s next chance at righting the vessel comes Saturday’s as similarly struggling Portland visits the Home Depot Center.