Almost everything Fabio Capello has done so far as England manager I cannot fault, so if he's decided that he wants David Beckham to join his World Cup staff then he definitely sees a role for Beckham in helping England succeed.
There are a few good reasons I can think of that might be in Capello's thinking. First, Beckham could take a little bit of attention away from the team, but in a good way.
The press love talking to, and about, David Beckham, which might help deflect attention from the England players and give them the chance to focus 100% on winning matches.
I don't know many teams that have done that before at tournaments, but it just shows the influence Beckham has over the England squad that he's even being considered for that role.
Second, all the international figureheads of football love him being around. He's got an aura about him that represents all the good things about English football. Beckham's image can do England a lot of good overseas, particularly with regard to the 2018 World Cup bid.
To have him as figurehead of the England camp, in an ambassadorial role or from a PR perspective, might be a stroke of genius from Capello. However, Beckham may prove most valuable as a coach and passing on his football knowledge - rather than his PR value - may be the main reason Capello wants him in South Africa.
Beckham has got a lot of friends in the squad and is very well respected. He would probably be in the squad if he weren't injured, so he is already part of that dressing room. It might be that he sticks his tracksuit on and becomes a third coach or, alternatively, a liaison between the manager and the players.
Capello might have a plan for him on the training ground and in the dressing room before games, because there is no one more experienced than Beckham as an outfield player. He's seen everything that could be seen in World Cups, apart from winning it, and you don't play as many times for England as he has without picking up a huge amount of knowledge. If he can pass any of that on to even one player - to take the likes of Theo Walcott to one side and have a chat with him - can't do him any harm at all.
It should be a very entertaining World Cup because it is quite open. England are capable of beating the top teams, but there are a lot of teams we've got to get past who have got proven quality.
Spain have got a great chance and if anybody beats them they will probably win the cup, but I'm going for Brazil to win it. Maybe it's the romantic in me, but I grew up watching great Brazilian teams so they are my second team. Oh, and they've got the best kit!
Lee Dixon was speaking to sport.co.uk on behalf of digital TV service freesat. For more information on how to upgrade your television to High Definition in time for the World Cup see www.freesat.co.uk. Prices start from as low as £68 so what are you waiting for?!
For more of Lee Dixon’s World Cup analysis, to read his blog and for comprehensive match planners and brilliant football facts visit www.freesat.co.uk/worldcup.