Beckham part of South Africa 2010 England plans

April 27, 2008

England coach Fabio Capello has admitted that David Beckham could play in the 2010 World Cup Finals if he keeps himself fit. Beckham’s England career had appeared to be over after he was omitted from Capello’s first England squad, but he earned his 100th cap against France in Paris last month.

“The door is open. He played the last game, and did well against France. I see him play for Los Angeles Galaxy every now and then,” the Italian told sports daily Marca on Friday.

“It depends. There are players who are 33 or 34, who look after themselves very well. They understand that physically they aren’t what they used to be and take more care. A lot depends on this.”

Capello, however, refused to guarantee Beckham’s inclusion in the England squad when they start their bid to reach South Africa in 2010 in September.

The former Real Madrid boss claimed he is happy with his reign as England manager so far, despite last month 1-0 defeat by France and that he has seen many signs of progress in his short spell in charge.

“I told the players after the France defeat that I was pleased and that I had seen a step forward. We have to take it step by step,” he said. “First we have to qualify (for 2010) and then we’ll see what happens. I think I have a good team, although we need to work a little so that they all understand what I want.”

England’s stars will have to watch EURO 2008 on TV this summer, despite having three representatives in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. However, Capello doesn’t believe the influx of foreign players is hurting the national team.

“This isn’t the problem. The problem is that we only have 38 per cent of the players,” Capello said. “There are Welsh, Scottish, Irish… In Spain and Italy for example, they have around 70 per cent of the players available.”

Standing in England’s way to reach the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa are Croatia, who ended England’s hopes of reaching EURO 2008 this summer.

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