BECKHAM FEARS WORLD CUP HEARTACHE

DAVID BECKHAM fears he will miss out on Fabio Capello's 23-man World Cup squad.

Despite strong indications from the England chief that he has done enough, the AC Milan midfielder admits he could miss out.

Beckham was an unused substitute during the recent 3-1 victory over Egypt and is now on the fringes of the national team.

The former Manchester United ace said: "I'm not guaranteed to go to South Africa at all. I have to work hard and then, hopefully, win my place. There are a good few months left in the season and plenty of games to play but, hopefully, I can carry on playing well and can get in the squad."

Theo Walcott started England's friendly at Wembley earlier in the month and was eventually replaced by Shaun Wright-Phillips.

England's right- sided players will also face competition from Tottenham wide-man Aaron Lennon if he recovers from injury.

Beckham had been led to believe his move to Milan for a second loan spell would be enough to secure inclusion for this summer finals.

Capello believes his influence off the field and the way he sets an example to the rest of the squad is as important as his contribution on the field.

Beckham won his 115th cap in the World Cup qualifier against Belarus in October and has not played for his country since.

He missed England's showpiece friendly with Brazil in November and did not get on the field against the African champions.

But he has been to three World Cups and set his sights on a fourth tournament when he moved to the San Siro on loan in January.

His second-half performance for Milan at Old Trafford last Wednesday - when he donned a green and gold scarf after the final whistle - impressed Capello.

Yet Beckham still fears he is on the danger list.