Beckhams arrive in America

LOS ANGELES – Soccer star David Beckham and his wife, “Posh Spice” Victoria, arrived Thursday night to begin their new lives in the United States.

The British power couple smiled and held hands as they walked out of a Los Angeles International Airport terminal shortly before 8:20 p.m. after arriving aboard a British Airways flight from London.

A horde of reporters and photographers pushed and shoved behind barriers set up at the terminal before the couple left in a black sport utility vehicle.

The English midfielder, who helped Real Madrid win the Spanish title last month, will play for the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer. He’s set to be introduced by the team today, and make his playing debut in an exhibition game against Chelsea on July 21 in Carson, Calif.

Beckham, who has returned to the England lineup after initially being dropped following the 2006 World Cup, is scheduled to make around $32.5 million over five years with the Galaxy and millions more in endorsement deals.

Despite playing thousands of miles away, Beckham hopes to stay in the England lineup and help the team qualify for next year’s European Championship.