Becks gives Theo a lift

 

BECKS APPEAL ... David has reached out

 

DAVID BECKHAM is offering dumped Theo Walcott a shoulder to cry on.

Becks has texted the Arsenal winger and told him to keep his chin up following Fabio Capello's decision to axe him for the World Cup.

The former England captain also plans a more in-depth phone chat with Walcott over the next 10 days to help him come to terms with his omission.

Beckham, 35, wants to reassure 21-year-old Walcott he has a great talent and will come back stronger in the future.

He will go over the highs and lows of his own career and explain how he has bounced back himself from occasional adversity.

Becks feels a particular affection for Walcott, who he took under his wing at the 2006 World Cup when he was skipper and Walcott was a star-struck 17-year-old.

He is especially keen that Walcott realises he can still be a big part of England's Euro 2012 qualifying campaign and beyond.

Capello sees ruptured Achilles tendon victim Becks as a vital part of his backroom team and his role looks to be growing.

He will study the players in training every day and report to the Italian on what he sees. Capello feels Beckham can offer a unique insight into how the players are performing.

Becks will also act as a middleman. The squad will be encouraged to take any problems to him if they do not want to approach Capello directly.

An England source said: "Beckham is a very important part of the group."

Injured Gareth Barry will not train with the squad today but at the latest is expected to be fit to face Algeria on June 18.