Beckham dealt grievous blow with World Cup KO

Beckham suffered a major Achilles injury during AC Milan's Serie A encounter with Chievo last night, ending his hopes of featuring in a fourth World Cup for his country in South Africa this summer.

He appeared to be in line to become the first player to appear for England in four World Cup finals. Instead he will fly to Finland today for surgery.

Both England coach Capello and assistant Franco Baldini were quickly on the phone to offer their best wishes for the former Manchester United midfielder to ultimately make a full recovery while knowing they could write the 34-year-old out of their own plans for South Africa.

Beckham sustained the injury without coming into contact with anyone else, limping to the sidelines for treatment in a match Milan went on to win

1-0.

Milan coach Leonardo said after the game: "Beckham's injury makes us feel terrible.

"He is an extraordinary guy and today's game proves it yet again.

"I cannot enjoy this evening considering this serious injury.

"David understood immediately that he had torn his Achilles tendon."

Beckham will not only miss the showpiece in South Africa but there must also be doubts over his career.

He recently joined Milan for a second loan spell from the Los Angeles Galaxy in an attempt to prove his fitness to Capello.

"Beckham is not well," added AC Milan midfielder Ignazio Abate. "To see him suffer like that has really touched us."

Only last week Beckham made an emotional playing return to Old Trafford, playing at the ground in a competitive game at club level for the first time since his 25m move to Real Madrid in 2003.

While Beckham must now concentrate on overcoming injury, Capello must make alternative plans.

The Italian always knew he would be hostage to injury misfortune over the final three months of the season, and repeatedly stressed getting his players to the World Cup fit was a far bigger concern even than any disharmony in the camp that might have been created by John Terry's off-field trauma.

Although Beckham spoke of his fear of missing the World Cup in the wake of Milan's Champions League hammering by Manchester United last week, there was little doubt he would have made Capello's final 23.

His ability at set-pieces remains unmatched in the England squad and Capello viewed Beckham's experience as a vital tool in his side being able to wind the clock down in tight situations.

Now England will have to cope without that assistance, with Capello suddenly seeing his right-sided options starting to dwindle given Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has revealed Aaron Lennon is nowhere near a comeback from a groin injury that has plagued the former Leeds United winger since December.

Redknapp said: "It must be frustrating for Aaron. He's desperate to get fit. We just can't get him right. He's had a few goes and broken down. He's been back to the specialist."

Those fitness problems should bolster the chances of both Theo Walcott and Shaun Wright-Phillips being involved.

Capello also knows another ex-Leeds player, the ultra-reliable James Milner, could always fill in if necessary, although the Aston Villa man lacks the pace required to be a first-choice wide-man.

If England did go with Walcott and Wright-Phillips, it would enhance the chances of Joe Cole – whose recent form has been patchy – and Stewart Downing.