2010 FIFA World Cup: David Beckham Going To South Africa...To Coach

David Beckham confirmed one of the worst-kept World Cup secret today, when he admitted England head coach Fabio Capello has asked for his help in South Africa next month.

Beckham, ruled out of a record fourth appearance at the finals when he ruptured an Achilles tendon while on loan from the MLS's Los Angeles Galaxy to AC Milan two months ago, said: "I've spoken to the manager and his assistant, Franco Baldini, and they have made me well aware that I have a role to play with the players and the team.

"We have not discussed specifics, but I'm honored that a manager of Fabio's status feels I can be important. I am hoping to travel with the team, but obviously we'll have to see how my therapy goes."

According to Friday's edition of the Sun newspaper in London, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Beckham will actually play a part on the training ground at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Campus near Rustenburg.

Beckham’s role was expected to be more of an ambassadorial one, given his position as the face of England’s 2018 World Cup host bid. Beckham runs academies across the globe, but the 35-year-old has never actually coached adult footballers, particularly England internationals.

Team England will fly to Austria after tomorrow’s FA Cup final between Chelsea and Portsmouth for their initial high-altitude training camp, but Beckham won’t join the party until they fly to South Africa on June 2.

According to the Sun, Beckham’s 2018 bid duties will take second place to his coaching role.

Perhaps the best-known face in soccer, Beckham was in Zurich on Thursday to hand over the 2018 “bid book,” where he gave an impassioned speech about England’s love of the game and desire to host the event.