News that David Beckham has suffered from asthma since he was a boy could have a bearing on whether England take him to next year's World Cup finals in South Africa, according to a report in the UK.

The 34-year-old LA Galaxy star was photographed using an inhaler at the weekend after he finished his side's Major League Soccer final defeat to Real Salt Lake coughing violently. It was the second time in nine days he had had to play extra-time.

Remarkably, despite all the thousands of pictures of the world's most recognisable player, this is the first time his condition has been revealed.

The Daily Mail says the news could have a serious bearing on whether the England star will go to next year's finals in South Africa, where altitude will be a factor.

Beckham's agent Simon Oliveira said: "David has suffered with this since he was a young boy but it has obviously had no effect on his performance."