David Beckham has revealed he is keen to take up a role in England’s backroom team during the World Cup.
Beckham saw his hopes of being a playing member of Fabio Capello’s squad ended by a ruptured Achilles tendon picked up while on loan AC Milan in March.
However, the former international captain has recently been offered a role with the squad in South Africa.
Beckham does not know the specifics of the job but, speaking while formerly presenting England’s World Cup 2018 host bid to FIFA president Sepp Blatter in Zurich on Friday, the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder revealed he was keen to help out during the tournament.
“I’ve spoken to the manager and (number two) Franco Baldini and they have made it well aware that I have a role to play with the players and the team,” said Beckham.
“We have not discussed specifics but I’m honoured that a manager of Fabio’s status feels I can be important.”
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Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney has dismissed fears that his World Cup could be ruined by recent ankle and groin injuries.
The Three Lions are third favourites in the online betting to win the World Cup.
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas wants his future resolving before the start of the World Cup following a fresh series of reports linking him with a return to Barcelona.
Febregas has regularly been linked with a return to his boyhood club since developing into one of the the best midfielders in Europe during seven years in north London.
Barca have regularly hinted that they would like to re-sign Fabregas and the Spain international is reportedly set to hold crunch talks with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger this weekend over his future in the Premier League.
AC Milan have finally ended the speculation surrounding the future of Leonardo by confirming he will be replaced as coach after just one season in the San Siro hot-seat.
The former Brazil international was promoted from his role as technical director following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure to Chelsea 12 months ago.
However, the rookie coach failed to bring instant success to the Rossoneri and will vacate his post following Saturday’s season-ending Serie A game against Juventus.
Elsewhere, England cricket captain Paul Collingwood has predicted that his side will be playing Australia in Sunday’s World Twenty20 final.
In-form England cruised into the final with an impressive seven-wicket demolition of Sri Lanka while the Baggy Greens face holders Pakistan in Friday’s second semi-final in St Lucia.
“Everyone would love an England versus Australia final, but we have to give a lot of respect to Pakistan too, so we’ll have to wait and see,” said Collingwood.
“We are just happy to be in the final – but we haven’t won anything yet.”
