Former England captain’s injury rules him out of South Africa

Former England captain David Beckham’s dreams of playing at this summer’s World Cup in South Africa are over, after the AC Milan midfielder ruptured an Achilles tendon, during his side’s 1-0 victory over Chievo last night.

The injury is so severe that it could, in fact, end the career of the 34-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid star, who had hoped to play one final international tournament before his retirement.

England manager Fabio Capello confirmed the injury, and paid tribute to Beckham, saying:

"We have to wait for the results of the scan, but it looks like he is out of the World Cup,

"I spoke with him after the game on Sunday night to offer my support, as did Franco Baldini.

"David is a great professional and has worked very hard to be ready for the World Cup, so missing it will be a big blow."

The injury to Beckham, coupled with the news last week that Aaron Lennon could also miss the World Cup through injury, has left spaces open in the England squad for both Theo Walcott and Shaun Wright-Phillips, although Manchester City’s Adam Johnson, who scored on Sunday against Sunderland, could be another option.

England are 6/1 (Bwin) to win this summer’s World Cup