Beckham has fractured rib

David Beckham does after all have a hairline rib fracture following his clash with Wales defender Ben Thatcher in England’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying victory at Old Trafford today.

The England captain was informed after initial X-rays that no bones were broken but has since discovered he has one fracture.

Beckham, who scored the second goal in his team’s comfortable win, had to be substituted when he was hurt in the second-half collision with Thatcher.

It is expected that Beckham, who can play no part in England’s next qualifier against Azerbaijan on Wednesday following his booking for a foul on Thatcher today, will have further checks on his ribs when he returns to his club Real Madrid.