Fabio Capello today claimed he could pick David Beckham for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa - if he keeps himself fit.

The England manager said: "The door is open for him. He played the last game and did well against France, and I see him play for Los Angeles Galaxy every now and then.

"There are players who are 33 or 34, who look after themselves very well. They understand that physically they aren't what they used to be and take more care. A lot depends on this if he is going to play on."

However, the former Real Madrid boss refused to make any other predictions before the start of England's World Cup qualification campaign in September.

Capello believes the side have made progress despite last month's 1-0 friendly defeat to France, but he said: "We have to take it step by step.

"First we have to qualify (for 2010) and then we'll see what happens. I think I have a good team, although we need to work a little so that they all understand what I want."

However, the Italian would like more English players to pick from.

"The problem is that we only have 38 per cent of the players in the Premier League to choose from.

"In Spain and Italy for example, they have around 70 per cent of the players available."