David Beckham World Cup Dreams Ended Through Injury

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Beckham ruptured his Achilles tendon last night to rule him out of a fourth World Cup finals.

David Beckham’s chances of making World Cup history were shattered last night, as was his Achilles tendon, after the England talisman hobbled off the pitch at the San Siro in Milan yesterday.

Beckham would have been the first England player to represent his country at four consecutive World Cup competitions, but after sustaining his injury last night, the player’s surgeon ruled Beckham out of the World Cup finals in South Africa this June.

Dr Sakari Orava told The Times it would be at least three months before Beckham could start kicking a ball again, and at least a further month before the Achilles would heal sufficiently to play competitively.

At 34, the devastating injury will effectively end Beckham’s illustrious international career, which has seen 115 caps of dedicated service. Although Beckham was by no means England’s first choice right-sided midfielder, his experience and inspiration as an impact player would have virtually assured him a place among manager Fabio Capello’s squad.

The England coach must now look to others to fill the mantle, and right midfield is still an open and highly contested spot for the World Cup.

Capello’s Right Midfield Options

Aaron Lennon

One of the front runners to start for Capello, Lennon has been impressive for Tottenham this season but injury has sidelined the player recently. If Lennon is fit and recover his early season form there are few who can contend with his spot.

Theo Walcott

Walcott has demonstrated that he can perform at the highest level with his superb hat-trick against Croatia but injury has halted the player’s progress from blossoming to realise his full potential. Walcott’s pace and intuitive instincts make him a handful for defenders when in shape, but the player currently lacks match fitness.

James Milner

Arguably the most consistent midfielder in England’s ranks this season, Milner is the in-form player for both Aston Villa and England at the moment. Milner’s adaptability as a left, central or right sided midfielder make him a must for the World Cup squad, the question remains whether Capello will put his faith in the player to start on the right wing.

Shaun Wright-Phillips

The Manchester City winger has struggled for form this season. Much like City themselves, Wright-Phillips has shown moments of flair and inspiration, but has lacked consistency on the pitch.

Steven Gerrard

Although not a natural position for Gerrard to play, for a man of his considerable talents, the Liverpool captain could easily slot into the right midfield role for England. His ability and hunger for the game are beyond question, making him a strong candidate.

Joe Cole

Another player returning from injury this season, Cole has been prolific for England in the past, and his deft feet mean that he has the versatility to play on the left or right for midfield. A strong past performer, but a player that has not been selected often by Capello.

Adam Johnson

A long shot given his lack of experience, Johnson spent most of his time as an understudy to Stuart Downing at Middlesbrough. Johnson is naturally left footed which makes him an unusual choice for right midfield, but he is starting to show his potential for Manchester City, something which will not go unnoticed by Capello.