For whatever its worth, he really really wants to.

Former England team captain David Beckham is eager to represent his country in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He got a deal with AC Milan, allowing him to stay in game shape in Italy over the next few weeks during Major League Soccer’s off-season.

England team manager Fabio Capello will decide whether or not he will name the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder to his 23-man roster for this year’s World Cup in South Africa. Capello has publicly stated that Beckham must be playing first-team soccer at the highest level in the buildup to the World Cup to even be considered for the English national team this summer.

Beckham has made a handful of appearances for AC Milan and figures to be a regular starter for the Rossoneri as they attempt to chase down city rivals Inter Milan, currently in first place in Serie A, for the Italian league championship. But will that be enough to get him a spot in the England national team?

”He is a leader and an inspiration to his teammates. Equally, he is feared and respected by all of his opponents. He’s vastly experienced on the international stage. He’s a big-game player who doesn’t get intimidated by anyone,” CBC Sports soccer commentator Nigel Reed said.

David Beckham was sent to exile when he earned a red card during a second-round match at the 1998 World Cup for petulantly kicking Argentina’s Diego Simeone. Forced to play a man short, England lost the game and was eliminated from the tournament. When the team returned from France, Beckham was pilloried by the English media and fans, burning effigies of the former Manchester United star became the norm all across England.

Thankfully, his reputation has recovered since, as Beckham has demonstrated great resiliency for both club and England. He helped Real Madrid, then coached by Capello, to win the Spanish league title in 2007 after being benched for a stretch of games by the Italian.

”He has a huge heart, and I would argue that nobody is prouder than Beckham to represent his country,” Reed said.

”I think he’s a great survivor. He’s proved his critics wrong time and time again, and he’s proved Capello wrong before. And he’s made personal and financial sacrifices merely to justify his own selection.”

Which country will win the 2010 FIFA World Cup? Bodog sportsbook has the odds.

Spain 5.50

Brazil 6.00

England 7.00

USA 41.00

Want more odds? Visit Bodog sportsbook for more 2010 FIFA World Cup betting odds. Want to watch soccer live? Get sporting events tickets online now.

David Beckham FIFA World Cup