Prime Minister Gordon Brown has sent David Beckham a message wishing him a "speedy recovery" from the injury which has ruled him out of the World Cup finals.
Speedy recovery: Gordon Brown has praised David Beckham's work as an ambassador of English football
Photo: AP
Mr Brown's spokesman Simon Lewis said: "The Prime Minister has indeed sent him (Beckham) a message.
"He emphasised what a tremendous ambassador Mr Beckham is for English soccer and wishes him well in his recovery, as I think the whole nation does."
The injury shattered Beckham's hopes of becoming the first English player to appear in four World Cups but Fabio Capello has not dismissed the 34-year-old's chances of helping the national side qualify for Euro 2012.
"We hope he will be fit for next year," the England coach said. "I hope he will be fit for the Euros because he is one of the best players in England."
Beckham's spokesman, Simon Oliveira, said he was expecting to make a full recovery following his operation.
"David is expected to make a full recovery. Professor Sakari Orava will conduct a further examination... when a programme for rehabilitation will be finalised.," he said.
"David wants to thank everyone who has given him messages of support - it meant a lot to him."