Fabio: I'll take Becks to finals

And big-hearted boss Capello has told the ex-skipper he is welcome to be a guest at the Three Lions camp in Rustenburg this summer. He also indicated Becks, injured playing for AC Milan on Sunday, is already in his plans for the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

Capello believes the midfielder can still have a positive influence on his World Cup squad by being around the other players. His presence would also mean he could devote more time to being an ambassador for England's bid to host the 2018 finals.

Beckham had FIFA's executive committee eating out of the palm of his hand when he attended the World Cup draw in Cape Town in December. The former Manchester United star went under the knife in Turku yesterday. Doctors are optimistic he can make a full recovery while sources say the setback will not force Beckham into retirement.

A close friend said: "David will play football again. There is no doubt in his mind about that. He is devastated he'll miss the World Cup but this isn't the end of his career."

Beckham will spend a couple of days in Finland before flying to London where he will stay for around a week before jetting home to Los Angeles.