England manager Fabio Capello believes David Beckham still has an international future with the World Cup finals just two years away.
Former skipper Beckham, 33, is just one cap away from matching the 108-cap tally achieved by 1966 World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore after making late substitute appearances against Kazakhstan and Belarus in the last two World Cup qualifiers.
But despite being restricted to cameo roles, and with Theo Walcott having supplanted him in the starting line-up, Capello is adamant that the LA Galaxy midfielder has a role to play both on and off the field.
The Italian even hinted Beckham could start the friendly international against Germany in Berlin next month.
"For the next game, it is possible, Beckham will play," said Capello.
"When I decide the squad, it is not for the few minutes that David Beckham plays. He is good for the group. This is important. In fact, this is very important - his influence.
"He knows everything. He transmits confidence in the other players. This is very important for the group.
"I have to choose the first XI and at the moment I choose Theo Walcott and Shaun Wright-Phillips who are playing well.
"Beckham might have played five minutes against Belarus but, for the next game, it is possible he might play all the game. I have to decide the best 11."
(Agencies via China Daily October 20, 2008)