The former England manager insists Fabio Capello's team have the talent to rule the world in South Africa next summer.

But he believes Capello should use former captain Beckham, who controversially won the man-of-the-match award for a cameo substitute appearance in Wednesday's 3-0 win against Belarus at Wembley, as a defence-splitting central midfielder rather than as an impact player supplying crosses from the right.

Hoddle said: "I think he (Capello) will take David Beckham. He has proved he has a real part to play from the bench with his experience and his ability to put the ball into dangerous areas.

"I would look to play David Beckham in a more central role for his country. We've got some pace on the wings now and David's ability to pass the ball from the centre of the pitch would be an added bonus."

Hoddle also believes Michael Owen could yet prove crucial in South Africa if he can prove his fitness at Manchester United.

Owen has been largely overlooked since Capello took over and while England scored 34 goals in World Cup qualification, the most of any of the 53 European teams, Hoddle insisted: "At the top end of the pitch against the top teams in the world, I'm not sure we have the cutting edge there just relying on Wayne Rooney.

"I hope Michael Owen stays fit and has a really good season with United and gets himself in the squad because he is a proven goalscorer at that level."

Hoddle's one concern was the goalkeeping position and that if anything happened to 39-year-old David James there would be a lack of experience.

Yet he remained optimistic about England's chances.

Hoddle, speaking on BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme, said: "We can't get carried away. We still have to produce it against the top teams in the world, but the positives certainly outweigh the negatives.

"If Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are fit they have got to put their goalscoring heads on. If that happens then we really do have a good chance of going all the way.

"We're capable of winning it like seven or eight teams. Brazil are always going to be outstanding. Spain are technically the best team in Europe but they might find it difficult this time because there is a lot of expectation on them."