Beckham in talks over England role at World Cup

Zurich: David Beckham has talked with England manager Fabio Capello about the possibility of a coaching role at the World Cup in South Africa, the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder said on Friday.

“I’ve spoken to the manager and spoken to (assistant) Franco Baldini and they made it aware to me that they felt I have a role to play with the players and with the team,” the former England captain told reporters. “Whether it be a coaching role...I haven’t sat down with the manager or talked about specifics, he just said he feels I can help the team and help the players, whatever role that will be.” Beckham, who was in Zurich as a representative of England’s campaign to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cups, will not play in the June 11-July 11 finals after injuring his Achilles tendon while on loan at Serie A side AC Milan in March. “He (Capello) says I can help the players and help the team and I’m honoured by that, he feels I will be important. I have to see how my therapy goes but I’m hoping to travel with the team,” said Beckham during the bid handover ceremony at the headquarters of soccer’s governing body FIFA.England have been drawn in Group C for the finals in South Africa alongside Algeria, Slovenia and the Unites States. Beckham said helping England win the right to host a World Cup would equal anything he had achieved as a player. “It would be with my top achievements and the ones I’ve enjoyed over the years. I’ve represented my country on the field many times and to represent off the field is something new and special and something I’m enjoying,” he said. “It (the ambassadorial role) is something I enjoy, there’s a responsibility that comes with it and hopefully I fulfil that and do it with a smile on my face because I enjoy being part of it. Bureau Report