Beckham: I may miss World Cup

(GSM) – Milan midfielder David Beckham has admitted to fearing for his place in England’s World Cup squad if he does not play regularly until the end of the season.

The 34-year-old is currently on-loan at AC Milan from Los Angeles Galaxy, a move motivated by his desire to impress Three Lions boss Fabio Capello.

“I am not guaranteed to go to South Africa at all,” he said.

Beckham continued, “I have to work hard and hopefully win my place. There are a few months left and plenty of games but hopefully I can carry on playing well and get in the squad.”

The widespread belief that Beckham will make the final 23 is based on the assumption that he maintains match fitness but he played less than half an hour for Milan in their Champions’ League tie at Manchester United last Wednesday.

England’s manager Fabio Capello has always maintained he can only pick players who appear regularly. Beckham is also competing for an oversubscribed area of the team against Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips, and Theo Walcott.

Beckham currently shares the record of three with Bobby Moore and Peter Shilton.

The former England captain’s first taste of the tournament ended in heartbreak when he was sent off in the defeat to Argentina in 1998, which led to widespread criticism of the then 23-year-old.