David Beckham will miss the World Cup23: 59 14/03/2010, David Beckham, England, football, guardian.co.uk, milan, news, sports, World Cup 2010, Guardia

David Beckham will miss the World Cup23: 59 14/03/2010, David Beckham, England, football, guardian.co.uk, milan, news, sports, World Cup 2010, Guardian Unlimited

Capello offered his condolences to Beckham
Leonardo Milan coach confirms the injury is serious

Fabio Capello has spoken to David Beckham to commiserate about the loss that will govern the former England captain World Cup this summer.

Beckham suffered a major Achilles injury during AC Milan's Serie A encounter with Chievo tonight, ending his hopes of appearing in his fourth World Cup for his country in southern Africa this summer.

Both Capello and his assistant Franco Baldini were on the phone to offer his best wishes for Beckham finally a full recovery, knowing they could write the 34 years of age, their own plans for South Africa.

Beckham suffered the injury without contact with anyone, limping on the sidelines for treatment in a match won 1-0 in Milan.

Leonardo Milan coach Beckham confirmed the injury after the match with Chievo. "The joy of Clarence Seedorf goal was tempered by a serious injury to Beckham," he said. "Unfortunately it's very easy to understand when there is tendon rupture. Let's wait for the tests but is very serious. It is a great coup for us."

While David Beckham should concentrate on overcoming an injury that threatens his career, Capello must now make alternative plans.

Capello is right to see your options start to dwindle given Harry Redknapp has revealed winger Aaron Lennon is nowhere near a return from a groin injury that has plagued him since December.

Physical problems, should enhance the ability of both Theo Walcott and Shaun Wright-Phillips is concerned. Capello also knows that the ultra-reliable James Milner can always refill if necessary, although the Aston Villa man has the pace to be selected in the first big man.

If England went with Walcott and Wright-Phillips, would increase the chances of Joe Cole - whose recent form has been patchy - and Stewart Downing. However, the left side of the field of choice would be Manchester City new boy Adam Johnson.

David Beckham
England
Milan
World Cup 2010


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