David Beckham has revealed he hopes to return from injury in September - two months earlier than expected.
The 35-year-old former England captain could even be available for selection for the opening Euro 2012 qualifiers.
Asked about his return from the Achilles injury he suffered in March, Beckham told BBC Sport: "Hopefully I'll be back before the start of September.
"I think I'm ahead of schedule by a few weeks, so it's going well, although it's still a long road."
Beckham was speaking after handing over England's bid book for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Fifa president Sepp Blatter.
His injury has ruled him out of the World Cup in South Africa and the indication that he could be out until November meant he might not feature for Los Angeles Galaxy in the 2010 season.
But his recovery could mean he is potentially considered by England manager Fabio Capello when the team embarks on their European Championship qualifying campaign in September.
"I've still got a while to go before I even run again so it's going to take time. I can't rush it. It needs to heal and I need to make sure it's right," he added.
"I said a couple of weeks ago it would be November but the way it's going, if it continues to go well - and I'm sure there will be setbacks along the way - hopefully I'll be back before the start of September."
Beckham underwent surgery in March after rupturing a tendon while on loan at AC Milan.
He initially said he expected to be back in action by September, before November was suggested as a potential comeback, which meant the first England game he could be fit for would be the Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales on 26 March 2011.
But if he returns by the beginning of September, England manager Fabio Capello will have to decide if he merits a place in the opening qualification games.
England first welcome Bulgaria on 3 September before visiting Switzerland four days later and hosting Montenegro on 12 October.
Beckham is no longer on crutches although he appeared to be walking gingerly when he met Blatter in Zurich.
Beckham was was injured playing for Milan in March
Despite his injury, the former Manchester United star may still travel with England to the World Cup in South Africa, where Capello has indicated there could be an off-pitch role for him.
England begin their campaign against the United States on 12 June.
Beckham, who turned 35 on 2 May, joined Milan from the Galaxy to stay in shape during the Major League Soccer off-season and boost his chances of becoming England's first player to appear at four World Cups.
He has played 115 internationals - the most for an England outfield player and only second in the country's history behind goalkeeper Peter Shilton's 125 matches from 1970-90.
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