'Ambassador' Beckham buoyed by support, as baby rumours begin

David Beckham is coming to terms, in positive fashion, with losing out on the chance to extend his international career at the World Cup this summer.

And despite being ruled out for several months with an Achilles tendon injury, leading figures in Britain are rallying round the "major sporting icon" to make sure he feels an integral part of the campaign, and beyond.

Lauded in recent days by Britain's poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy and sent best wishes by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Beckham was reminded of his importance to the England set-up again yesterday.

For England 2018 bid chiefs Beckham's physical recovery is important, but not as crucial as his continued status as one of their main ambassadors as they bid to win the right to stage the event in eight years' time.

England 2018 chief executive Andy Anson said: "We have sent David a message wishing him well and hoping he recovers. We want him to recover to be playing again - that's the only thing we are worried about.

"He's David Beckham - he's going to be a major ambassador for us right through to the end of this.

"We have our big moments in the campaign and obviously the final presentation (in December) is one thing where we would want our major ambassadors involved."

After undergoing surgery in Finland on Monday which he called a "success", Beckham departed for London yesterday afternoon with his wife Victoria to begin what could be a long period of rehabilitation.

Although contracted to Los Angeles Galaxy, Beckham is in his second loan spell at Milan - a move designed, somewhat ironically, to boost his chances of a World Cup place.

Milan believe Beckham, whose rehabilitation programme has been already mapped out, will make "a complete recovery" in six months.

Already upbeat and getting used to walking with crutches, Beckham has been quick to thank everyone for the messages of support he has received after the injury suffered on Sunday evening.

"I want to thank from my heart all the Rossoneri," Beckham said.

"I have appreciated so much all the messages I have received after the injury, they are of great help and support."

As far as the World Cup goes, the jury is still out on whether Beckham's absence will leave England lacking. In all three of his previous World Cup appearances Beckham failed to help deliver the Holy Grail of international football, which England last won in 1966.

In the meantime, his enforced absence may allow him to concentrate on helping wife Victoria conceive, and give birth to, a baby girl - if some reports are to be believed.

Britain's Daily Star yesterday cited one "pal" of the couple claiming that Beckham is desperate to give the couple's three sons Brooklyn, 11, Romeo, seven, and Cruz, five, a new sister.

The pal said: "This injury is a nightmare for David, but he is not the kind of man to buckle under the strain.

"A baby girl would make their family complete. They are both so excited and have decided: 'Let's go for it'!"