Beckham rallies England squad to win World Cup for Brit soldiers in Afghanistan

London, May 26(ANI): England footballer David Beckham has called on Fabio Capello's men to secure World Cup glory in South Africa to honour the British soldiers serving in Afghanistan.

Beckham, who was recently in Afghanistan for a surprise visit to boost the morale of thousands of British troops serving in the country, delivered a dressing room speech to his England team-mates before Monday's friendly 3-1 victory over Mexico.

England captain Rio Ferdinand said that Beckham told the squad to be inspired by the troops in Afghanistan.

"Becks came in the changing room and he was talking about his trip. He told us about the experience he had going over there and what is was really like. He said the lads do a great job for us," The Mirror quoted Ferdinand, as saying.

"It is great that we are getting support from the boys in Afghanistan. With them being so far away they probably think we don't really care about what is going on, but we do," he added.

Earlier, Beckham, who is recovering from an Achilles-tendon injury, had spoken about his respect for the armed forces.

"I have nothing, but admiration for these young men and women and it makes me very proud to be British," Beckham said.

Britain has around 10,000 troops in Afghanistan as part of an international force, largely fighting the Taliban. (ANI)