Former England captain Terry Butcher believes Steve McClaren's Los Angeles visit to see David Beckham in a charity game was a "farcical" waste of time.
The England coach flew over to check on the fitness of the 32-year-old, who scored twice in LA Galaxy's 12-4 win over a team featuring celebrities.
Brentford boss Butcher told BBC Radio 5 Live: "For the England manager to be watching that is farcical.
"What can Beckham show the England manager in that sort of game?"
The match was held to raise funds for those affected by the California forest fires and featured celebrities including Without a Trace star Anthony LaPaglia.
But the Football Association say McClaren did not even attend the game, preferring instead to meet Beckham and watch him train, as well as discuss the 32-year-old's health with his fitness coach.
"Steve checks on the availability and fitness of all his players - it was a routine trip," an FA spokesman told BBC Sport.
Beckham joined LA Galaxy from Real Madrid in the summer and said he was enjoying his experience in the United States.
"I am loving it," he said, although the Major League Soccer season is now over.
"It's been great so far, very positive and smooth apart from the season."
The former Manchester United player missed England's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia because of a knee injury but will be hoping to be in the squad to face Croatia on 21 November.
On Friday, McClaren will name his squad for the friendly against Austria on 16 November and the crunch tie with Croatia.
Russia must not win in Israel four days earlier in order for England to keep alive their hopes of reaching next year's European finals.
Beckham was recalled to the England squad by McClaren in June after being ignored since England lost in the World Cup quarter-final against Portugal in July 2006.
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He played in the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia and friendlies against Brazil and Germany but has not featured since in the England team because of his knee problems.
The former England captain has played 97 times for his country since his debut in 1996.
Meanwhile, Frank Yallop has resigned as coach of Los Angeles Galaxy.
The former Ipswich Town player is reported to be returning to San Jose to coach the Earthquakes.
"Obviously, we're disappointed," said Beckham, after turning out in the charity match against a Hollywood XI, which was led by actor Anthony LaPaglia in was in aid of the victims of the recent California fires.
"We felt that he was the right man. We felt that he's a good manager and a strong character with the team.
"He's not walking away. He's looking after himself and he's looking after his family.
"It's what we would all do. We're sad to see him leave and we wish him all the luck and all the best."
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