England's Beckham, Crouch certainties for 2010 World Cup

The Sun claims that Fabio Capello has decided that both David Beckham and Peter Crouch will definitely be part of his England set-up for next summer's World Cup finals.

The pair tussled for man-of-the-match honours on Wednesday night as the Three Lions ended their qualifying campaign with a 3-0 win over Belarus - Crouch netting brace, Beckham's half-hour cameo sparking his side to life.

Neither are regular starters under the Capello regime, but the Italian tactician is thought to view both the LA Galaxy midfielder and the Tottenham Hotspur striker as indispensable and ultra-reliable options.

If these tabloid reports prove accurate, then Beckham - barring any serious mishap between now and next June - will join an elite group of players who have featured in four World Cups.

Meanwhile, Crouch's addition to the 'untouchable' list leaves just one opening left in attack, as it is thought that Wayne Rooney and Emile Heskey have already been handed their tickets to South Africa.

Jermain Defoe, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Darren Bent are the key contenders for the fourth and final striker's slot, although Capello is rumoured to be keeping a close eye on Michael Owen as well.