Beckham's World Cup dreams in ruins

David Beckham was this morning waking up to the realisation his World Cup dream - and possibly his career – was over.

Beckham was reportedly flying to Finland today for an operation to repair a major Achilles injury incurred during AC Milan’s 1-0 Serie A victory over Chievo last night.

Beckham sustained the injury without coming into contact with anyone else, limping to the sidelines for treatment in Milan’s 1-0 win, before later being driven away sporting crutches and fighting tears at the realisation his hopes of an appearance at a fourth World Cup were over.

Both England manager Fabio Capello and his trusted assistant Franco Baldini were on the phone to offer their best wishes for Beckham to ultimately make a full recovery, knowing they could write the 34-year-old out of their own plans for South Africa.

Rossoneri coach Leonardo expressed sympathy for and paid tribute to Beckham after the match.

“David understood immediately that he had torn his Achilles tendon,” he said.

“Beckham’s injury makes us feel terrible.

“He is an extraordinary guy and today’s game proves it yet again.

“I cannot enjoy this evening considering this serious injury.

“It was a unique evening of its kind, but David’s injury makes us feel bad - victory is exciting, but the pain makes us enjoy it less.”

Beckham now misses the showpiece in South Africa while there must also be doubts over his career.

He recently joined Milan for a second loan spell from the Los Angeles Galaxy in a bid to prove his fitness to Capello.

Clarence Seedorf found it hard to celebrate his match-winning strike knowing Beckham could have a long injury lay-off.

“It’s always ugly to be out because of an injury,” said the Dutchman.

“But it will mean that we will all need to give everything we have even for those who will not be with us.

“They deserve that for what they have done so far this season.”

While Beckham must now concentrate on overcoming an injury that threatens his entire career, Capello must now make alternative plans.

The Italian always knew he would be hostage to injury over the final three months of the season, and repeatedly stressed getting his players to the World Cup fit was a far bigger concern, even more so than any disharmony in the camp that might have been created by John Terry’s off-field trauma.

Although Beckham spoke of his fear of missing the World Cup in the wake of Milan’s hammering by Manchester United last week, there was little doubt he would have made Capello’s final 23.

His ability at set pieces remains unmatched in the England squad and Capello viewed Beckham’s experience as a vital tool in his side being able to wind the clock down in tight situations.

Now England will have to cope without that assistance, with Capello suddenly seeing his right-sided options starting to dwindle given Harry Redknapp has revealed Aaron Lennon is nowhere near a comeback from a groin injury that has plagued him since December.

Those fitness problems should bolster the chances of both Theo Walcott and Shaun Wright-Phillips being involved.

Capello also knows the ultra-reliable James Milner could always fill in if necessary, although the Aston Villa man lacks the pace required to be a first-choice wide-man.