David Beckham Likely Ruptures Achilles' Tendon, Will Miss World Cup

England's World Cup chances took a hit today after David Beckham suffered a potentially serious injury--without, as it turns out, taking a hit:

AC Milan and England midfielder David Beckham went off with a serious-looking ankle or foot injury late in Sunday's 1-0 Serie A win over Chievo.

Beckham was getting ready to kick a ball unchallenged when he suddenly pulled up and signalled to the bench despite second-placed Milan having used all their substitutes.

A Sky television reporter on the San Siro touchline said Beckham had told the bench "It's broken, it's broken" as he came off.

Obviously, the injury isn't as damaging to England's World Cup chances as if it had happened eight or 12 years ago; this is clearly Wayne Rooney's team now. Still, this is a brutal, undeserved finish to Beckham's scintillating World Cup career.