DAVID BECKHAM OUT OF WORLD CUP

Former England captain David Beckham's hopes of making another World Cup were left shattered last night after he suffered a heart-breaking injury.

The LA Galaxy midfielder tore his Achilles tendon whilst playing for loan club AC Milan in their 1-0 Serie A victory over Chievo on Sunday. Beckham had moved to Milan in a bid to keep his match fitness up through the Major League Soccer off-season.

Early reports suggest the injury will keep Beckham out until the middle of June and with England manager Fabio Capello set to name his squad for the World Cup on June 1, Beckham's hopes of a fourth World Cup look certain to be over.

Capello himself has admitted that Beckham looks extremely unlikely to make the World Cup after this injury.

He said in a statement, "We have to wait for the results of the scan but it looks like he is out of the World Cup. I spoke with him after the game on Sunday night to offer my support, as did Franco Baldini. David is a great professional and has worked very hard to be ready for the World Cup, so missing it will be a big blow."

Many expected the World Cup to be Beckham's last hurrah in an England shirt and considering he will be 35 after the tournament it looks like "Goldenballs's" international career could be over.

There was more bad news on the injury front for Fabio Capello with Tottenham Hotspur claiming they are disappointed at Aaron Lennon's level of recovery from his groin muscle injury.

Lennon is yet to play for his club this year and Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has admitted the pacy winger is "quite a way off" from a first team return.

Capello may also have to plan for life without first choice left-back Ashley Cole, who is currently sidelined through injury, and second choice Wayne Bridge who has ruled himself out of contention for the national team after problems in his private life relating to England and Chelsea defender John Terry.