By AVI CREDITOR
For those who thought that David Beckham's injury would prevent him from being with England during the World Cup, think again.
Kind of.
England manager Fabio Capello has extended an offer for Beckham to travel and stay with the team in South Africa, a unique move considering Beckham has no shot of playing in the competition.
The Guardian speculates that the gesture may have more to do with Beckham potentially influencing voters to favor England's 2018 World Cup bid.
It is uncertain whether Beckham has accepted the offer or if he would even be able to stay on schedule with his rehabilitation should he go to South Africa.
Here are a few other soccer stories from around the world:
HULL CITY NARROWING SEARCH
In the aftermath of Phil Brown's firing, Hull City has narrowed its coaching search and hopes to name a new manager a couple of days prior to the team's match with Portsmouth on Saturday.
Former Manchester City manager Mark Hughes and former Queens Park Rangers boss Iain Dowie are at the top of the club's list, according to the BBC.
Hull City is currently in the drop zone, three points behind presently-safe Wolves and West Ham.
ROBINSON'S WORLD CUP HOPES FADING
Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson tore a calf muscle against Tottenham over the weekend, and the team confirmed that he will be out of action for up to a month.
Robinson, who had a chance to make England's World Cup roster, will be hard-pressed to overcome favorites David James, Joe Hart and Robert Green considering the amount of time he will miss.
SPURS CLOSE IN ON BRAZILIAN
Tottenham and S.C. Internacional have agreed on a transfer fee for star player Sandro, according to the Brazilian team's president, Vittorio Piffero.
The 21-year-old midfielder was a captain of Brazil's U-20 squad and has one cap with the senior team.
KIESSLING STAYING AT LEVERKUSEN
German striker Stefan Kiessling re-signed with Bayer Leverkusen, ending any speculation of his departure from the Bundesliga side.
Kiessling, 26, leads Germany's top league with 16 goals this season, and he extended his contract through 2015. He is expected to play a role for Germany's national team in the World Cup.
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Do you think Beckham's presence would be a distraction for England? Who would be the best candidate for the Hull City job? Who should be England's No. 1 keeper? Like Tottenham's signing? Think Kiessling can contribute for Germany this summer?
Share your thoughts below.
Beckham’s professionalism and dedication has never been questioned??????
Didn’t Dononvan openly question both of these things ?
I think you’re right. He might be on ESPN even if he is in SA….commentating on Matches England is not involved in, maybe. I think he could be really good, actually, and I think it more likely he does TV work than coaching. It would be interesting to see if his analysis is any deeper or illuminating than what we usually hear from players….
HD fan knows as much about football as his fellow houstonians know about physical fitness….(very little)
there was a report a while back that he was taking voice lessons to make him more palatable for americans…. If he’s not in SA it wouldnt surprise me to see him on ESPN come june
correction: jozy
Ian Dowie – YUCK!
I am not sure that would be good for Josie. He is not a very good Manager.
Beckham’s time as captain is looking a lot better after all the recent mess. He could still definitely be a positive influence in the locker room, as his professionalism and dedication has never been in question.
“England manager Fabio Capello has extended an offer for Beckham to travel and stay with the team in South Africa.”
Wouldn’t that violate his MLS contract since he won’t play?
interesting thought, but I have a gut hunch that he won’t coach. I know there are examples of ex-stars managing teams, but I just don’t think he fits that mold….
As for commentating, he has a terrible voice…I don’t think I could listen to him for more than five minutes, even when he has interesting things to say….
Why would Beckham be warming up? He is without question out for the world cup and will be going in a non playing role.
What is wrong with you?
Beckham can join him and other MLS cast out Ruud Gullit on WC commentary. Just a thought
Tottenham w/ Brazilians do not work. Adriano(not the forward) was horrible, and so is gomes. Hope third times the charm. Something makes me thing Hull can’t afford Mark Hughes. Having Beckham at the world cup probably will be a distraction from the field. It certainly is when he’s on the bench. I’d hate to be lennon or Wright-Phillips on the right and have to look over your should whenever the crowd cheers Beckham warming up.
Kiessling definitely should be considered for a role in SA. The German striker situation is a bit screwy right now, what with Klose and Podolski either stinking it up or buffing the pine. As much as I happen to dislikeSchalke [Jermaine Jones’s team,] , Kevin Kuranyi could really help.
But who cares? Go USA.
Twerp.
Dont state your an American in the same breath as calling for our defeat.
nonono, Bob Bradley!
Alexi La….That was so mesed up I couldn’t bring myself to finish it…
Crazy thought. I know that Beckham wants to buy a franchise in the US, but maybe in a few years he could do some coaching. Everyone knows he’s a natural leader, so why not put that to coaching? I don’t know if that’s something he would ever want to do, but it’s an idea. 2026 USMNT head coach David Beckham???… Or maybe not.
Ain’t my mother country.
Why would you want this? Traitor.
Bruce Arena for Hull
A cool gesture indeed. Lets get the Champions League going today!
what the…..Phil Brown got fired? When the hell did that happen???
Benedict Arnold
Exactly! Here’s hoping they all look at him and think: “Man, that could happen to me at any moment!”
ß = SS. Learn something new everyday.
I hope Beckham is there to lead England to victory over the USA. Come on Beckham England 3-0!
BTW I’m an American Houston Dynamo fan, but I want the mother country to beat us colonials.
I certainly hope Beckham can be a distraction.
It’s not for the WC in 2018, it’s a move by the Italian to control the team. Beckham is a born leader and everyone on that team looks up for him. During the WC you need your players focused and no one has stepped up to so many stressful spots and been under so many stressful conditions as Beckham.
He loves his country too much to pass this ambassador role up. He’ll be there!