London, Mar 16(ANI): England manager Fabio Capello has told injured midfielder David Beckham that he can still be with the team for this summer’s World Cup in South Africa.

Capello has told Beckham that he is welcome to be a guest during the England camp in Rustenburg, as he believes the midfielder can have a positive influence on his World Cup squad by being around.

Beckham is out of the tournament after rupturing his left Achilles tendon during AC Milan’s Serie A game against Chievo at the San Siro on Sunday.

The 34-year-old had a successful two-hour operation in Finland on Monday, but he is not expected to play before September.

Capello also suggested that Beckham could recover in time to participate fully in the European Championship qualifying campaign, which will begin in September.

Beckham will be 37 by the time the tournament in Poland and Ukraine comes around in the summer of 2012, but the incentive of playing for England again has been spelt out to him as he begins his rehabilitation.

Doctors are optimistic that he can make a full recovery, and certain media reports have suggested that the setback will not force Beckham into retirement.

“David will play football again. There is no doubt in his mind about that. He is devastated he”ll miss the World Cup, but this isn”t the end of his career,” The Sun quoted a close friend, as saying.

Beckham will spend a couple of days in Finland before flying to London, where he will stay for around a week before his departure for Los Angeles. (ANI)