England's odds lengthen

Beckham's injury is a major blow for England

British bookmakers William Hill have lengthened the odds on England winning the World Cup in the wake of David Beckham's injury.

The England captain broke a bone in his foot on Wednesday that has ruled him out of action for at least six weeks.

And as a result of the injury William Hill have increased England's odds on winning the World Cup from 9/1 to 10/1.

"It is rare to change odds for the sake of one player," said Hill's spokesman Graham Sharpe.

"We did not do it when Robert Pires injury meant he would miss out for the French but Beckham is vital to England's chances."

Any English optimists who believe that Beckham will play at least some part in the finals can get odds of 4/7.

Beckham sustained the injury playing for Manchester United in a Champions League match against Spanish opponents Deportivo La Coruna.