England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson says he would be prepared to take captain David Beckham to the World Cup finals even if he was not fully fit.
Beckham is recovering after breaking a bone in his foot during Manchester United's Champions League tie against Deportivo La Coruna on Wednesday night.
The initial prognosis that he would be out for up to eight weeks has since improved, giving him a chance of a full recovery within six weeks.
That scenario would give Beckham a chance of making England's opening World Cup group game against Sweden, and the midfielder has told Eriksson that he is optimistic about his chances.
The England coach revealed: "Of course I am worried as the whole country seems to be worried but it is not giving me sleepless nights as I cannot do anything about it. It will heal or not heal. I just hope he will be alright. I think he will be, I hope so".
Eriksson spoke to Beckham just a couple of hours after he sustained the injury at Old Trafford. "I spoke to him on the phone and of course he was sad after a bad injury but he was also optimistic".
Beckham is unlikely to be able to prove his fitness by the time England's 23-man squad has to be officially announced on May 21st, but Eriksson recognises he may have to take a gamble on the midfielder’s availability.
"When you talk about David Beckham, of course you are willing to take a chance as he's extremely important and is the England captain," said Eriksson.
"He's one of the best footballers in the world. If there's a small chance that he will be able to play, then of course we will take him."