Beckham's injury unlikely to affect England

LONDON -- Going to the World Cup without David Beckham -- soccer's most marketable face and most famous right foot -- seems likely to affect England's tabloid coverage more than its chances on the field. Eight years ago, England fans and coaching staff sweated on their then-captain's recovery from a broken bone in his left foot, and his perceived lack of fitness was then highlighted as one of the reasons for the team's quarterfinal loss to Brazil. But Beckham was the main man back then. The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder has remained a mainstay of newspaper coverage worldwide, and his movie star looks still help attract huge crowds wherever he goes. But he will be 35 when this year's tournament starts June 11. Younger and faster players are on hand to fill his preferred position in right midfield and he was only going to be an occasional substitute for his country -- albeit the most high-profile bench-warmer in South Africa. "In my mind it's not that big a blow," former England captain Alan Mullery said. "I wouldn't have taken David Beckham, because I think we've got three or four who would be more useful than David. He's become what I call a bit player." That's an assessment shared by many regular watchers of England's team. Beckham was never the fastest, but his decreasing mobility has cramped a once startling ability to run miles in a single match. He has been used almost exclusively as a late substitute for England during the past two years. Coach Fabio Capello may come to rue the fact that he won't be able to call him off the bench to serve up one of his famous free kicks or nerveless penalty kicks, but his absence is more likely to bother sponsors, advertisers and those simply fond of a player who pushed his teammates to heights they never would have achieved without him. Even Capello seemed to acknowledged the injury was more of a personal misfortune than a dent in team planning. "David is a great professional and has worked very hard to be ready for the World Cup, so missing it will be a big blow," Capello said. Theo Walcott, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Shaun Wright-Phillips, David Bentley and Steven Gerrard all have filled Beckham's role on the right side since he stepped down as captain after the 2006 World Cup. "As an ambassador, he's the perfect person to do the job," Mullery said. "I'm sure he would do a very good job, but we're talking about playing in the World Cup and not just being a bit player." Beckham's injury looks to be far more serious for AC Milan's attempt to win the Italian League and the veteran midfielder's efforts to finish his illustrious career on a high. Beckham was hurt in the latest of two loan spells away from Major League Soccer that were meant to help him maintain fitness and become the first player to make four World Cups with England. "I'm so sorry for him because I know how he wanted to go to the World Cup," said Carlo Ancelotti, who coached Beckham at Milan last season. "He came last year to Milan above all for this, to show his quality for the England team. I hope he will make a good recovery quickly." Beckham still has two season remaining on the $32.5 million, five-year contract that makes him the highest-paid player in the MLS. The injury typically takes several months to recover from, so Beckham could return for the end of the MLS season even if he sits out the World Cup. "Big countries like England have to be able to adapt to injuries to players like Becks," said Roy Keane, his former captain at Manchester United. "It is unfortunate but on the other hand he has been to other World Cups before, so he can count his blessings. Becks has been very fortunate throughout his career with serious injuries, so I'm sure he'll be back."