David Beckham's dream of appearing at a fourth World Cup finals have been given a massive lift after the England coach, Fabio Capello, said the midfielder will definitely be in his squad for South Africa next summer if he remains fit. Beckham trained with AC Milan for the first time yesterday since starting his second loan spell with the Italian side from LA Galaxy until the end of the season.
The move is designed to allow the 34-year-old, who has appeared 115 times for his country, to stay match fit and Capello says that if he shines in Serie A he will be on the plane to South Africa. "Of course, if he plays well and is fit I will include him in my squad," he said. "I don't look at age, I pay attention to quality and David has a lot. "He's serious, he's a great professional and he's crazy about the World Cup."
Beckham impressed for Milan during last year's loan spell with Milan and Capello expects more of the same, adding: "He will again do good for Milan because he has the right head on his shoulders." Meanwhile, in last night's Premier League action, leaders Chelsea scored twice in the last 20 minutes to come from behind to beat fellow London side Fulham 2-1 and ensure they will top the table going into the New Year.
Zoltan Gera put Fulham ahead after only four minutes before Didier Drogba's header in the 73rd minute and an own goal from Chris Smalling, on his league debut for the visitors two minutes later, saw the Blues hit back at Stamford Bridge. A telieved Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti said: "The first half was not good, the second half was better - we played with great determination. "It was not easy to change the game, but we deserved the win."
@Email:gcaygill@thenational.ae
