Who says Beckham is not going to the WC? He's in! But...
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Coach Becks to join Team Fabio: Beckham to travel to World Cup
David Beckham is set to travel to the World Cup finals next month as a member of the England coaching staff.
After a series of discussions between Beckham, his representatives, Fabio Capello and his club, Los Angeles Galaxy, it has been agreed that the former England captain will be on the plane to South Africa on June 2.
Lending a hand: Beckham
Beckham will not join Capello’s training camp in Austria, instead focusing on his recovery from the achilles tendon injury that ruled him out of the finals. But the England manager sees real value in having the 35-year-old midfielder around because he knows the Italian’s coaching methods after playing under him at Real Madrid — and has played in three World Cups.
While Beckham will be given time to continue his recovery with gym work, his role as ambassador for England’s 2018 World Cup bid will be limited by the demands Capello puts upon him.
He sees Beckham, who has 115 caps, as a mediator between management and the players and as an English member of the coaching staff, in addition to Under 21 manager Stuart Pearce.
Earlier this week, Capello spoke of the importance of having Beckham in the England set-up, despite only relying on him as a bit-part player during World Cup qualifying.
He said: ‘When I selected David you (the press) always asked me “Why?” David played only 10, 20 or 30 minutes in games. He is really important for the dressing-room spirit that he always had in training. It is important for him to set an example. Some players like this are really important to me both as part of the group and when they play.’
Beckham’s world was in tatters when he injured his left ankle in March, while on loan at AC Milan.
Pointing the way to South Africa: Fabio Capello
After a successful operation he returned to America to continue his expected eight-month rehabilitation in Los Angeles.
But he refuses to call time on his international career and his presence will boost
England, whose opening World Cup game is against the USA on June 12.