Beckham's dreams of participating in a fourth World Cup finals with his country were shattered by an Achilles injury when on loan to AC Milan from LA Galaxy.

Capello has also stressed that the former Manchester United star is also not an official member of his coaching staff in South Africa.

But it is clear the Italian believes the midfielder can still have a positive influence on his squad as they prepare for the opening game against the United States on June 12.

Capello confirmed: "David Beckham is the liaison between the staff and the players. He stays with us. He's very important.

"It's very important that the players have him (around). He's not a coach, and he's not a player.

"We asked him to stay with us and he decided to stay. It's a really important World Cup.

"He's important because he's one of the symbols of England. He can help us at any moment."

It is another example of the faith Capello has shown in Beckham since he won him over when coach at Real Madrid.

He kept Beckham in his plans as a player throughout the qualifying campaign for the finals, using him chiefly as an impact player from the bench.

Beckham will also have the complete respect of members of the current squad, many of whom he has played alongside for many years at international level.

Capello, unsurprisingly, also thinks Beckham can have some significant input into preparing to face the United States.

He said: "We have to play against the USA and David Beckham knows better some of the players than we do."

Beckham will also use his time in South Africa to bolster England's bid for the 2018 World Cup.

But he is expected to remain involved with the England side for much of the tournament.

Adrian Bevington, managing director of Club England, said: "I think David will help with a couple of things with the bid.

"He's here with us (England) the rest of the time."