I need to play at European level: Beckham

David Beckham says he expects to find another half-year loan deal ahead of the World Cup next year to keep himself in England manager Fabio Capello’s plans for the tournament in South Africa. Beckham spent the Major League Soccer (MLS) off-season — and the first part of this current season — on loan at AC Milan in Italy and said he hoped to find a similar arrangement next year.

“Leading up to the World Cup,the England manager has made it very clear to me that I need to be playing at a European level,” Beckham told reporters ahead of his return match for LA Galaxy against New York Red Bulls. “So I will do everything possible… I’ll always regret it if I didn’t do everything and to give myself a chance to be involved in that. At the moment my priority is the rest of the season and also playing and keeping in every squad for England and representing my country. Going forward of course I want to be involved in the World Cup.”

Beckham’s extended loan with Milan upset many at the Galaxy,with resentment spilling over into a public spat with team-mate Landon Donovan who questioned his commitment to the team. The pair have said their differences are water under the bridge,but the prospect of Beckham not starting next season with the team he is contracted to is unlikely to win over sceptical fans.

Beckham,who previously stated he would like another stint with Milan,said re-joining the Serie A club would by no means lead to a place in the World Cup squad,were England to qualify. He added that a six-month deal was necessary to be in top shape for selection,rather than a shorter January-to-March deal. “I think it would have to be (six months),obviously,leading up to the World Cup. But with the last loan,it worked out pretty well,” he said.