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Fabio Capello has asked injured star David Beckham to travel with the England squad to South Africa this summer hailing the significance of the former captain’s presence in the dressing room.

Beckham’s dreams of becoming the first Englishman to play in four consecutive World Cups went up in flames on Sunday night when he tore his achilles tendon in AC Milan’s 1-0 win over Chievo.

The 34-year-old, who has been capped 115 times by England, underwent successful surgery in Finland on Monday but faces six months on the sidelines. @Dailymail

The World Cup in South Africa has helped FIFA’s revenues past the billion dollar mark for the first time, world football’s governing body said Friday.

“We are very confident, not only confident but very proud, that we can deliver the World Cup to Africa and that Africa can deliver the World Cup to the world,” Blatter said after a two day FIFA executive committee meeting.

FIFA, a non profit-making organisation, said it had made a 196 million dollar surplus in 2009, as revenues soared to 1.06 billion dollars. @Soccerway

Indonesia are out of the running to host the 2022 World Cup, football’s governing body Fifa has said.

Fifa announced that Indonesia were no longer a candidate as they had failed to provide government guarantees.

“The government said their main concern was the people of the country and they would not support the bid,” said Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke.

Meanwhile, a move to impose an eight-year limit on the office of Fifa president has been heavily defeated. @BBC

Former England striker Alan Shearer has backed Theo Walcott to win a place in Fabio Capello’s squad and silence his critics in South Africa this summer.

The Arsenal ace came in for scathing criticism following his performance in the friendly win over Egypt earlier this month with ex-England international Chris Waddle arguing he does not warrant a place in the Italian’s 23-man World Cup party because he lacks intelligence as a footballer.

But Newcastle legend – and now TV pundit – Shearer believes Capello needs to look no further than Walcott in his search to replace injured winger David Beckham, insisting the 21-year-old has a very bright future in the game for club and country. @Dailymail

Three months before the first ball is kicked, this is a country already deep in the grip of tournament fever. From the moment a visitor arrives at Johannesburg airport all the corporate signposts are up in place: there are hoardings for Visa, Vodafone and adidas promising football characterised by cheery tolerance, the rainbow competition.

Throughout the business district of Sandton, illuminated wire sculptures of footballers stand sentinel, including one which appears to be urinating into a hedge, which has alongside it, in case you missed the pun, a caption in neon reading: “the dribbler.” They are ready all right. @Telegraph

Russian officials hope Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will lead his country’s bid presentation for the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, a senior government member said on Wednesday.

“You did get an invitation to the ceremony. We hope that you will be able to attend,” First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, speaking at a meeting of top government officials, was quoted as telling Putin by local media.

The Russian delegation will go to FIFA’s Zurich headquarters in December when football’s world governing body will choose the hosts for both events. @FFT

World-famous musicians Shakira, John Legend and The Black Eyed Peas are among the performers for a concert that will kick-off the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

A star-studded line-up, also including Alicia Keys and Angelique Kidjo, has been put together at the newly-renovated Orlando Stadium on June 10, with the tournament itself starting two days later.

“We are thrilled to have a concert of such magnitude and performing talent raise the curtain on the first FIFAWorld Cup in Africa,” said FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke.

“It is testament to the universal and unifying power of football and music, and will start the competition off on the right note – of celebration.” @Goal

Brazil are favourites for World Cup glory in July, Italy coach Marcello Lippi said on Tuesday as he all but ruled out taking Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli to South Africa.

European champions Spain have been the pick of many pundits but Brazil will have extra motivation according to Lippi, whose world champions are outside bets to retain their title because of a lacklustre qualifying campaign and an ageing team.

“Brazil are the strongest team,” Lippi told a select group of foreign reporters.

“The Brazilians will be very motivated as last time they knew they were the strongest team but lost (in the 2006 quarter-finals).” @FFT

England manager Fabio Capello has offered injured midfielder David Beckham a backroom staff position for the 2010 World Cup.

Beckham, who was fighting for a spot in England’s team, saw his dream of playing in a fourth World Cup end when he tore his left Achilles tendon in AC Milan’s 1-0 victory over Chievo Verona on Sunday night.

On Sunday night, after Beckham’s devastating injury, Capello was able to speak to the Englishman, and provide him with a way to join England in South Africa whether it be on the coaching staff, to cheer on his countrymen or even as an ambassador for England’s 2018 World Cup bid. @Goal

David Beckham has been ruled out of the 2010 World Cup after tearing his Achilles tendon when playing for AC Milan against Chievo.

Here we remember some of the key moments in the midfielder’s international career.

MOLDOVA 0 ENGLAND 3, September 1 1996 – Glenn Hoddle gives Beckham a first cap in the World Cup qualifier in Chisinau. He plays the full 90 minutes.

ENGLAND 2 COLOMBIA 0, June 26, 1998 – Beckham finally does for country what hehas regularly been doing for club, scoring a first international goal – a trademark free-kick – to move England towards the World Cup knockout phases. @Dailymail