Beckham ready to stay in the shadows

David Beckham insists he is happy to stay in the shadows for England if it means Fabio Capello's team qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

Beckham had worked his way back into the England squad under Capello, but his days as the first choice right winger could be over after Theo Walcott's stunning hat-trick against Croatia earlier this month.

Walcott was selected ahead of Beckham for England's opening two World Cup qualifiers and Capello is unlikely to make any changes for next month's games after watching his side record back to back victories.

That would consign Beckham to the substitutes bench but the former Manchester United and Real Madrid man, who has won 105 caps for England, is ready to do anything in his power to help Capello.

“I want to be part of the squad, part of these qualifiers and, hopefully, part of the team at the World Cup,” Beckham said.

“If that means me coming on as sub or just even part of the squad, then I would be happy with that. I don't care whether I play or whether I don't.

“Of course I love to play for England but the much bigger thing is England winning and England qualifying.

“Whether I play is immaterial – it's about the team, about the squad. If I can carry on getting caps, getting on the field and helping the team in any way then I'll be happy.

“I would be happy going home having not even got off the bench. I'm in the squad, in the manager's mind and I'm there to support the team. I'm an England fan.”