British press fears Beckham injury spells game over

British papers raised fears Tuesday David Beckham's ruptured Achilles tendon meant the final whistle had blown not just on his World Cup hopes, but also on the England star's top-flight career.

But they sought to downplay the effect of his absence from his country's squad at the South Africa tournament, which kicks off in June, saying his on-pitch contribution was no longer vital.

"Not even the brand he has built around himself could protect David Beckham from the rupture in his heel that spells the end of his career as an elite footballer," said the Guardian.

"David Beckham's international career may be at an end," lamented the Independent.

The Sun added that "this time there seems no way back for David Beckham."

The footballer's World Cup dreams were dashed when he twisted his ankle during the final minutes of an AC Milan Serie A game against Chievo at the San Siro on Sunday and limped off the field before being stretchered away.

The 34-year-old midfielder flew to the western Finnish city of Turku on Monday, where he was operated on.

The surgeon said the procedure went well but ruled out Beckham playing for England at the South Africa showpiece, which would have been an English record fourth World Cup finals appearance.

Despite the fears the injury had finished his career, other commentators said it did not have to mean a definite end to Beckham's playing future.

"His career is not over," insisted the Daily Mail, adding: "His World Cup dream is finished but Beckham is not."

Some tried to keep morale up in football-mad England ahead of the tournament, focusing on an offer from England manager Fabio Capello for the injured ex-captain to join the squad in South Africa.

"So take him anyway," urged the Daily Mail.

"If the greatest worth David Beckham had to England was as mentor, ambassador, old head, voice of experience and arm round the shoulder of the younger players, then put him on the plane as just that."

And the paper stressed that Beckham -- who has racked up 115 caps for his national side -- was no longer so important on the pitch, it was his impact off the field that mattered.

"When was the last time his presence significantly told on a competitive game for England?" asked the Daily Mail.

"His true attribute was what he came to represent, as a figure of significance in the English game and to English players."

Goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who holds the record as England's most capped player, said Beckham's absence at the World Cup could open the door for a younger star.

"If David had made the squad, any playing appearances would have been just cameo roles," he said, in comments published in the Sun newspaper.

"Now it opens the door for a young player who might have missed out."