Disaster for David Beckham but not for England.

Playing in the World Cup this summer meant everything to him.

It was sad to see that dream destroyed by the ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered seemingly so innocuously for AC Milan.

For all the hype and hoopla, you cannot doubt Beckham’s pride at wearing the Three Lions.

Why else would he willingly jet across the world to play in meaningless friendlies?

But the Beckham of 2010 is a mere shadow of the one that powered that unforgettable free-kick past Greece at Old Trafford nine years ago.

Beckham now is a member of the England back-up squad. He cannot even make the starting 11 of a very ordinary Milan team.

His injury-enforced absence spares a big headache for Fabio Capello.

There will be no politics needed when he names the party on the plane to South Africa.

Beckham is unavailable; end of story.

And I hope that suggestions the coach still wants to take him along for the ride is no more than misplaced sympathy aimed at softening such a huge blow.

Beckham will always bring a sideshow, whether he’s playing or not.

Capello has vowed to rid England of the WAG culture and hangers-on that derailed their campaign in Germany four years ago.

With Beckham out the way, that goal is far more achievable.