Becks out of World Cup (From The Northern Echo)

Becks out of World Cup

9:20am Monday 15th March 2010 in

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FABIO Capello spoke with David Beckham last night to commiserate over the injury that will rule the former England skipper out of this summer’s World Cup.

Beckham suffered a major Achilles injury during AC Milan’s Serie A encounter with Chievo yesterday evening, ending his hopes of featuring in a fourth World Cup for his country in South Africa this summer.

And both Capello and his trusted assistant Franco Baldini were on the phone to offer their best wishes for Beckham to ultimately make a full recovery, knowing they could write the 34-year-old out of their own plans for South Africa.

Beckham sustained the injury without coming into contact with anyone else, limping to the sidelines for treatment in a match Milan went on to win 1-0.

Milan coach Leonardo said after the game: ‘‘Beckham’s injury makes us feel terrible.

‘‘He is an extraordinary guy and today’s game proves it yet again.

‘‘I cannot enjoy this evening considering this serious injury.

‘‘David understood immediately that he had torn his Achilles tendon.’’ Beckham now misses the showpiece in South Africa while there must also be doubts over his career.

He recently joined Milan for a second loan spell from the Los Angeles Galaxy in a bid to prove his fitness to Capello.

Today he will fly to Finland for surgery.

‘‘Beckham is not well,’’ added AC Milan midfielder Ignazio Abate.

‘‘To see him suffer like that has really touched us.’’ Clarence Seedorf found it hard to celebrate his matchwinning strike knowing that Beckham could have a long injury lay-off.

‘‘It’s always ugly to be out because of an injury,’’ said the Dutchman.

‘‘But it will mean that we will all need to give everything we have even for those who will not be with us.

‘‘They deserve that for what they have done so far this season.’’ Whilst Beckham must now concentrate on overcoming an injury that threatens his entire career, Capello must now make alternative plans.

The Italian always knew he would be hostage to injury over the final three months of the season, and repeatedly stressed getting his players to the World Cup fit was a far bigger concern, even than any disharmony in the camp that might have created by John Terry’s off-field trauma.

Although Beckham spoke of his fear of missing the World Cup in the wake of Milan’s hammering by Manchester United last week, there was little doubt he would have made Capello’s final 23.

His ability at set pieces remains unmatched in the England squad and Capello viewed Beckham’s experience as a vital tool in his side being able to wind the clock down in tight situations.

Now England will have to cope without that assistance, with Capello suddenly seeing his right-sided options starting to dwindle given Harry Redknapp has revealed Aaron Lennon is nowhere near a comeback from a groin injury that has plagued him since December.

Those fitness problems should bolster the chances of both Theo Walcott and Shaun Wright-Phillips being involved.

Capello also knows the ultra-reliable James Milner could always fill in if necessary, although the Aston Villa man lacks the pace required to be a first-choice wide-man.

If England did go with Walcott and Wright-Phillips, it would enhance the chances of Joe Cole – whose recent form has been patchy – and Stewart Downing.

However, the left-field option would be Manchester City new-boy Adam Johnson.

Former England defender Danny Mills was championing Johnson’s England claims yesterday afternoon, even though the former Middlesbrough man was only a substitute for City at Sunderland.

The winger made a big impact though, scoring a superb injury-time goal to earn City a point.

So, whilst he is yet to earn a full cap – or even a senior callup – it would be no surprise if Johnson was selected in amongst the 30 players Capello intends to take to two training camps in Austria immediately after the FA Cup final on May 15.