England coach Fabio Capello has invited David Beckham to join the England squad at the World Cup in South Africa.
Beckham is currently recovering from surgery undertaken on his Achilles, but will not be fit to play in South Africa.
“We have asked Beckham to come to South Africa with us,” Capello told Gol TV.
“It depends on him and how his tendon injury is,” continued the Italian. “It’s obvious he won’t be able to play because we have to wait six months.”
Capello also said there was still time for Manchester City full-back Wayne Bridge to rethink his decision to make himself unavailable for England.
“He has time,” said Capello. “The situation was very heated.”
Last month Bridge said his presence in the squad was potentially “divisive” following newspaper allegations about a relationship between his former partner Vanessa Perroncel and Chelsea defender John Terry.
England and Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick says that Beckham’s presence within the World Cup party would be welcomed by the rest of the squad.
“I think the manager has invited him along in some capacity and however he comes along I’m sure for the lads in the squad it will be good to see him,” he said.
“It will give the lads a big boost because he’s just got that presence, and great players have that. He’s got that all-round presence that people respond to.”
