BECKHAM ON TOP OF THE WORLD; Goldenballs set for South Africa as Capello hails him as still one of the best.

Byline: MARTIN LIPTON 

DAVID BECKHAM was given the clearest hint yet that he will be part of England's bid for World Cup glory in South Africa as Fabio Capello hailed his ability to put the ball where it matters.

Beckham marked his 110th England appearance by setting up John Terry's late winner over Ukraine with a trademark free-kick delivery.

It was the latest evidence of Beckham's rejuvenation after his move to AC Milan, his freshness and vitality making a mockery of the fact he turns 34 next month.

And Capello's vote of confidence in the former England skipper suggested the Italian believes Beckham will still have a key part to play when he takes his side to the 2010 Finals.

Capello said: "The most important thing is that whenever David enters the pitch, he always plays well.

"That is very important for us. He has played well every time for me. Just look at what he does with corners, free-kicks, crosses.

"David is very important and when you look at how he delivers the ball, you can see he is still one of the best in the world."

Beckham accepts his changed status under Capello, now more of an option from the bench as the Italian looks to start with the blazing pace of Theo Walcott or Aaron Lennon.

But Capello is considering giving Beckham that elusive 100th start in Kazakhstan in June because the former skipper's spell at the San Siro has added spring to his step. "It is always questions about the future, the future, the future," added Capello. "Please. It is about now - and now he is good. He is in very good form. He did not play until January. For that reason he is fresh and this is a very good moment. He played very well in the last games for AC Milan. He was their best player."

While Capello accepted his team had scarcely deserved all three points from Wednesday's Wembley test with Ukraine, the victory secured by John Terry's close- range finish extended the perfect start to his competitive reign. And although Capello agrees there is room for improvement, he is increasingly convinced his side are building the bedrock of sustained success that can propel them through to South Africa and beyond.

Capello said: "Technically, we are very good. This is important and I am sure of my team, 100 per cent.

"The five games we have played, we have done very well and while Ukraine defended very well and played well on the counter-attack, I was very happy with the victory.

"In the future, this team will play better, like we did in Croatia and the other matches. In the future we will be fresh. This is very, very important. We are in a very good position, the best position. We have five victories. We still have to play the other half of qualifying but against Ukraine I watched the character of the team.

"At Wembley I saw the English passion. You cannot always win by playing well. Sometimes you have to win like we did against Ukraine but what matters is that you can do it.

"I think the captain is very important in setting an example on the pitch. In every moment you have to drive the team and he is the one who is really important in the dressing room and during a game.

"John Terry is one of the players with a big personality, both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

"He is very English. But, like Rio, for a centre-back he is very good technically as well. He is strong with the head and in the tackle. But he is also very good with the ball at his feet."

CAPTION(S):

TOO FIT TO DROP Beckham has impressed England boss Capello (right) with his vitality, despite the fact the midfielder turns 34 next month