World Cup fears after Beckham breaks foot

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David Beckham, the talismanic England captain, is likely to miss the World Cup finals after breaking a bone in his foot last night. The news is a devastating blow to England, who only reached the tournament, to be held in Japan and South Korea this summer, after a series of inspirational performances by Beckham.

The 26-year-old was injured playing for his club, Manchester United, in a European Cup tie at Old Trafford, Manchester, last night. While the match progressed he was taken to hospital, accompanied by his wife, the pop singer Victoria, and son Brooklyn. An X-ray revealed a broken metatarsal bone.

The foul that inflicted the injury was by an Argentine player, Pedro Duscher, of Spanish club Deportivo La Coruna. England's main opponents in the summer are Argentina. However, Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, had no serious complaint about the tackle.

Ferguson said Beckham "would be out for six to eight weeks" and was "doubtful" for the World Cup. England's first match, against Sweden, is on 2 June. With the tournament continuing to 30 June, Sven Goran Eriksson, the England manager, may still consider taking Beckham in the hope that he is fit to play if England reach the later stages.

United went on to win 3-2 (5-2 on aggregate) and progress to a European Cup semi-final they will have to contest without Beckham and the Irish captain, Roy Keane, also injured.