England boss Fabio Capello intends to take David Beckham to South Africa - even if he has not fully recovered from his Achilles surgery.

The Daily Mail says such is Beckham's importance to the national side, manager Capello has invited the injured former captain to join the 23-man squad in South Africa.

Fears that LA Galaxy star Beckham will be finished at the highest level have been dismissed by the England coaching staff and the player's closest friends.

Capello said yesterday he looks forward to the midfielder playing again during the Euro 2012 qualifiers in September.

Beckham, already ruled out of the World Cup, ruptured an Achilles tendon playing in Serie A for AC Milan on Sunday.

Capello has asked the midfielder to be a non-playing part of the World Cup effort. Beckham's presence in South Africa would be unprecedented but the England manager values his positive influence and the experience he brings from playing in the last three World Cup tournaments and winning 115 caps.