Fit Beckham can be 2010 star - Capello

England manager Fabio Capello believes David Beckham can play on until the 2010 World Cup if the midfielder takes care of his fitness.

In an interview with Spanish sports newspaper Marca, Capello was asked if Beckham's England career was close to an end after the LA Galaxy captain won his 100th cap against France last month.

"It's still open," the Italian replied. "He (Beckham) played in the last game, he did well against France, and I sometimes go to see him in Los Angeles."

However, Capello added that the midfielder's participation at the showpiece in South Africa will rest on his fitness as well as England's qualification.

He said: "It depends, there are players who at 33 or 34 take good care of themselves, they understand that the body is not as it was and they take more care. It depends a lot on that."

Capello also stated he believes the Premier League is the pick of all the domestic competitions in Europe, although he admits the influx of foreign players represents a problem for the national side

"Some really good football is being played in England. At the moment it is the best league (in Europe), but then you have Arsenal, who play fantastic football and are out of the Champions League," he said.

"Our problem is that we have only 38% of the players. There are Welsh players, Irish and Scots.

"In Spain and Italy, for example, 70% of the players can be called up."