Beckham in line for World Cup role while doubts grow over Essien

David Beckham will probably travel to South Africa with the England squad for World Cup 2010, it was announced this morning. Everything hinges on a meeting with the surgeon who recently repaired the damage to the player’s torn tendon. The necessary facilities for Beckham’s continued rehabilitation also need to be in place before he can travel.

Latest African qualifying scores

Mozambique 1 – 0 Kenya
Togo 1 – 1 Morocco
Benin 1 – 1 Mali
Nigeria 2 – 2 Tunisia
Ghana 2 – 0 Sudan
Algeria 1 – 0 Zambia

Ghana’s victory in Group D and the draw between Benin and Mali means Michael Essien & Co become the eighth team to qualify for next year’s finals. They should soon be joined by Algeria and the Ivory Coast.