At 34, Beckham knows he would become the first England player to feature in the greatest tournament on earth on four occasions should he retain his place in Fabio Capello's squad for South Africa 2010.

Although he remained rooted to the bench during an international for the first time in 11 years on Saturday as England overcame Slovenia, evidence provided by the past 12 months suggests Beckham's name is already pencilled into one of the 23 spaces Capello will have available, providing England get the win they need from their final three matches.

Although Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Aaron Lennon can all provide blinding speed and the ability to beat a man, none can match Beckham's experience or accuracy from set-piece situations.

Almost certainly Beckham will be asked to perform a cameo role against Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday. And if Capello retains that desire, one of the younger men is ultimately fated to miss out.

"I wouldn't have any reason to feel guilty," said Beckham.

"The manager will pick a squad he thinks he needs for games. If I'm in it, then great. If I can come on with the experience I have and help the team, I will.

"If I'm not, it's good for the other players."

If 113 caps - a record for an outfield player - has taught Beckham anything, it is nothing is certain.

Who would have thought when Steve McClaren declared he was "moving on" from the Beckham era when he replaced Sven-Goran Eriksson in 2006 that the 34-year-old would survive far beyond the hapless coach, and well into his seventh qualification campaign, all but one of which have so far achieved their aim?

"The players have realised that nothing's certain about being in squads," he said.

"Every player has to work hard to get the manager's attention. If you're playing well, you've got a chance. If you're not performing, you haven't."

What Beckham is prepared to promise is that there will be no sulking if he misses out. He will not explode and trash a hotel room as Paul Gascoigne did on Beckham's first World Cup experience in 1998.

"I'm an England fan," declared Beckham.

"If I don't end up being in a squad that goes to South Africa, that won't mean I won't support the lads and want them to win.

"If the manager believes he'd have a stronger squad and stronger players without me. I would accept that."

Such a likelihood appears remote, with Beckham pledging to return to Europe once the current MLS season is completed at LA Galaxy.

Under an agreement brokered last year, the former Manchester United star should return to AC Milan until next June.

There are other possibilities though, with a return to the Premier League among the options, even if a reunion with Sven-Goran Eriksson at Notts County has been ruled out.

"No. I haven't spoken to Sven for a while," smiled Beckham.

"But I have got plans. I will finish the MLS season. After that, everybody knows that I'll be coming back to play somewhere.

"LA Galaxy know that. If it upsets a few people, I can't do anything about it.

"I keep saying how much I enjoy playing over there and how committed I am to the Galaxy, I think I will be back there after the World Cup.

"But there is a possibility the contract might break in the autumn and I do have options.

"Milan have made me aware that they want me to go back there and I'm more than happy with that.

"But I have also had another three or four offers, so when the time is right, I will decide."

Not that Beckham will be spending much time pondering his future over the next 48 hours as England look to beat Croatia.

He was a second-half substitute two years ago when England were eliminated by the same opposition.

"Not qualifying for that competition was disastrous for us," said Beckham.

"It was one of the most difficult times. When you don't win a game you should at Wembley and don't qualify it's hurtful.

"In the changing room afterwards, everyone was so upset. We were depressed for a few months and we need to put it right.

"But Wednesday is not about revenge or putting bad memories to rest. Our objective is to reach the World Cup."