BLACKBURN Rovers physio Dave Fevre believes David Beckham will be fit to play for England in this summer's World Cup finals.

The prognosis on England skipper Beckham is that he will be out for between six to eight weeks after breaking the second metatarsal in his left foot during last night's Champions League quarter-final victory over Deportivo La Coruna.

It means Beckham has a chance of playing in England's opening Group F clash with Sweden in Saitama on June 2, which would come as a considerable relief to coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Fevre, who used to work at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, has high hopes Beckham will shrug off the heartbreaking injury and lead out England as expected.

Craig Short spoke with Fevre following Rovers' goalless draw with Chelsea at Ewood Park on Wednesday night and the Blackburn defender said: "Dave knows Beckham from his Manchester United days better than anyone.

"He says he is a very, very fit lad and a quick healer and that he will be back. I'm sure everybody is hoping that will be the case.

"It would be terrible for him and for England if he missed out on the World Cup."

Ironically, Beckham's injury may yet have revived David Dunn's World Cup dreams as speculation intensifies surrounding a possible call-up for the Rovers midfielder for next week's friendly against Paraguay.

Blackburn boss Graeme Souness has already stressed his belief that Dunn could prove a more-than-capable replacement.

And now Short has joined the debate by encouraging Eriksson to have a look at his Ewood team-mate before he settles on naming his final squad.

"I think Dunny is worth a bet," said Short.

"He is strong, great on the ball, scores goals and can handle the big occasion because he is very confident. He seems to have everything.

"I really think he is going to be at the top and playing for his country for many years, so I agree with Graeme Souness.

"I think it would be a great idea if he went."