We want Beckham in South Africa, says Capello

England have accepted injured midfielder David Beckham is out of the World Cup but have asked him to join the squad in South Africa anyway, coach Fabio Capello was quoted as saying on Friday.

The 34-year-old midfielder tore an Achilles tendon playing for AC Milan on Sunday and Capello said he would need six months to recover, ruling him out of the month-long tournament that starts on June 11.

"We have asked Beckham to come to South Africa with us," Capello was quoted as saying in an interview with Spain's Gol Television.

"It depends on him and how his tendon injury is," the Italian added. "It's obvious he won't be able to play because we have to wait six months."

After sustaining the injury in Milan's 1-0 win over Chievo, Beckham flew to Finland for surgery with a top specialist before starting his rehabilitation.

Milan have said Beckham's rehab plan should lead to a complete recovery in six months, after which he will be able to play again," Milan said.