But could Beckham's future really be pushed forward years just because he wanted to spend an extra day in Rome?

Yes.

Capello has shown he is not a huge fan of Beckham by the lack of playing time given to the midfielder. Rumors in Spain even suggest Beckham could be leaving Madrid in January, when the transfer window reopens.

Despite the glamour of having played alongside other "Galacticos" such as Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and Luis Figo, Beckham may be better off at another team anyway.

He has yet to win a major trophy since joining Madrid in 2003. At Manchester United, Beckham won six Premier League titles. In 1999 he helped the team win the Champions League, the English league and the FA Cup.

Moving to another team will also give him more playing time and a chance to get back on the national team — though that seems unlikely with McClaren in charge.

England, which has only two wins and a tie from its four Euro 2008 qualifying matches, next plays a competitive game at Andorra on March 28.

A jump to the United States, however, will all but end any chance he has to get back on the national team because neither McClaren nor any other England coach is likely to pick someone playing in MLS.

But consider the benefits: He'll be able to hang out with Tom and Katie.