I'm too old to express an opinion on the latest developments with young people Mandela on Beckham's haircut More photos from the meeting

Mandela invited England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson and his squad to a meeting in Johannesburg on Wednesday ahead of Thursday's friendly international in Durban.

And he was eager to get their backing for his country's plans to bring the World Cup finals to South Africa for the first time.

"We support you and hope that you and the British people will support our bid," Mandela said.

"We make this appeal for the British people to be at the forefront in supporting our bid and I'm sure you will do that."

The 84-year-old Mandela later told South Africa skipper Lucas Radebe that he had received a pledge from England captain David Beckham.

"I have a promise from David Beckham that he will support our bid," Mandela added. "That alone gives us a great deal of hope."

Beckham told Mandela: "As England captain I'd like to say this is a great honour for me, the players, the manager and the rest of the FA to meet a great man like you.

"It is an amazing honour for everyone involved."

The England captain gave Mandela an England replica shirt as a gift.

Mandela asked if he could put it on but an aide hinted the South African people would not be very pleased at the ex-president wearing the kit of Thursday's opponents.

I would love to be here in 2010 leading England into that tournament David Beckham

The former president's diplomatic skills were put to the test when he was asked what he thought of Beckham's new haircut.

He added: "I'm too old to express an opinion on the latest developments with young people."

Beckham earlier revealed he is hoping to still be captaining England if the World Cup is given to South Africa - even though he will be 35.

"World Cups are special moments for everyone involved in them," he added. "I've been lucky enough to play in two of them and to have it in a country like South Africa would be amazing.

"Hopefully I will be involved in the next one in Germany in 2006 because that has the potential to be a massive one for England.

"But, if I look after myself and treat my body right - which I have done - then I would love to be here in 2010 leading England into that tournament."