London, May 24 (IANS): David Beckham will not be an apprentice to manager Fabio Capello, but his role will be that of a cheerleader on the England bench at the football World Cup being held in South Africa June 11-July 11.

Capello made it clear that Beckham, who has been ruled out of the World Cup after rupturing his Achilles tendon, will not be a coaching staff.

"He is not coaching staff, absolutely not," the England manager was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph.

Capello was almost dismissive when mention was made that Beckham could contribute to tactical plans.

"He will stay with us during the World Cup, but no coaching. You have to respect the coaches. He will not be like a coach. We have different projects for him, he is an ambassador for the 2018 World Cup and can go one or two times around South Africa. But it is important that David stays with us. He is one of the really important players who played with us. He is dedicated," Capello said.

Beckham's role will now revolve around helping team spirit on a goodwill safari and, in dressing-room parlance, working as BBC - Balls, Bibs and Cones.