Football: BECKS: DON'T GAMBLE ON ME SVEN

DAVID Beckham has told Sven Goran Eriksson not take him to the World Cup unless he's 100 percent fit.

Eriksson says he is willing to gamble on his

captain's fitness, but Becks does not want to deny someone else a place by gambling on his recovery if he is not convinced he can make a full contribution.

Beckham remains determined to recover in time to take his place in the squad - the naming of which has been put back 14 days to give him more time. But he believes his presence, if unfit, would undermine the team, with the world's media focused on him rather than the squad.

His father Ted said: "Naturally he is very upset but he's a very strong lad and I'm sure he will bounce back from this injury in time to go. But it's no good England taking him if he's going to break down after only one match.

"He's spoken to Sven about this and he agrees that you need to take a fit player to the World Cup, not someone who is only 75 per cent fit."

Eriksson said: "We have spoken, but I always knew David Beckham was an honest player. Although I remain optimistic, I don't want to think about this problem today. If it comes up we will deal with it."

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