Posh CD picked for England

A host of pop divas were swiftly put on the official list of CDs selected for England's World Cup stars - but it took a late challenge from her loyal husband before Victoria Beckham made the squad.

While Jennifer Lopez, Kylie Minogue, Dido and Anastasia were picked early on, the Evening Standard has learned Victoria's debut solo album was nowhere to be seen until David Beckham insisted it go to the Far East too.

It will join the albums, movie and TV videos and computer games that comprise England's official World Cup entertainment library - some 400 titles in all - details of which are published here for the first time.

The selection process was complex. The Football Association took soundings from players and passed on preferences to supplier Amazon. A sports psychologist advised on the balance of upbeat material to boost team spirit and quieter, relaxing entertainment to calm World Cup nerves.

Somehow, Mrs Beckham's work was neglected. It did not appear until after the list was sent for final approval. "David was the player responsible for approving the list and he suggested a few additions, including the Victoria Beckham album," said a source.

With players confined to their hotel after training sessions and matches, they will have up to eight hours a day to amuse themselves. FA marketing director Paul Barber said: "In the past we've found players had a lot of time on their hands in the run-up to games. Sitting around waiting can increase nerves but we now have ammunition to keep players relaxed throughout the campaign."