London, OCtober 16: The England manager Fabio Capello has decided to take David Beckham and Peter Crouch to next summer’s World Cup in South Africa. The Independent understands Capello will include them in his 23-man squad for the tournament which starts on 11 June, barring loss of form or fitness.
Beckham, who will be 35 once the tournament starts, has demonstrated his commitment to the England cause by his readiness to clock up the air miles flying from Los Angeles to join up with recent squads. His attitude around the squad has also been immaculate, and Capello, who managed him at Real Madrid, sees him as the senior professional whose good habits rub off on others.
Beckham, who won his 115th cap in Wednesday’s 3-0 victory over Belarus, has to complete the formalities of his loan move to Milan in January but he does not foresee any problems. It would be Beckham’s fourth appearance at the World Cup finals, putting him on the same mark as Sir Bobby Charlton, the only other Englishman to accomplish the feat.
–Agenciesz