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England's David Beckham - Source: Reuters -
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England have accepted injured David Beckham is out of contention
for a place at the World Cup but coach Fabio Capello has invited
the crestfallen midfielder to join the squad in South Africa
anyway.
The 34-year-old midfielder tore an Achilles tendon playing for AC
Milan on Sunday and Capello said he would need six months to
recover, ruling him out of the month-long tournament that starts on
June 11.
Whether Beckham will go to South Africa in a mentoring or advisory
role Capello did not make clear, but the Italian was eager for the
former Manchester United and Real Madrid player to accompany his
squad.
"We have asked Beckham to come to South Africa with us," Capello
told Spain's Gol Television.
"It depends on him and how his tendon injury is," the Italian
added.
"It's obvious he won't be able to play because we have to wait
six months."
After sustaining the injury in Milan's 1-0 win over Chievo, Beckham
flew to Finland for surgery before starting his
rehabilitation.
Milan have said Beckham should complete his recovery in six months
and the player said on Friday he would like to return to the club
at some point.
He joined the Serie A side on loan stints from Los Angeles Galaxy
in January this year and in 2009.
"I hope to play with you again and be part of this wonderful club"
Beckham told Milan's website.
"Once again thanks for your affection and good luck."
Milan's chief executive Adriano Galliani has said the England
midfielder would be welcome back next season.
