Beckham's fitness boost

Beckham has had to watch United from the stands

David Beckham could be fit enough to play in the Champions League final - if Manchester United make it.

He is confident of making the World Cup finals for England, his dad Ted has told Sunday's newspapers.

And Beckham could even make an appearance at Hampden Park on 15 May if United beat Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League semi-finals.

There is certainly some optimism from David that he can make the European final if United get through

Ted Beckham

Beckham broke the second metatarsal bone in his foot at the beginning of the month and has been told he will need six to eight weeks to make a full recovery.

"Everything is moving in the right direction," Ted Beckham was quoted as saying in The Mail on Sunday.

"There is certainly some optimism from David that he can make the European [Champions League] final if United get through.

"People have suggested that David is a quick healer but he has never had a serious injury before.

"But steady progress is now being made which is encouraging."

United, who were held to a 2-2 home draw in the semi-final first leg on Wednesday, face Leverkusen in Germany on Tuesday.

The World Cup in Korea and Japan starts on 31 May, with England's first game against Sweden on 2 June.