“Beckham knows well that if he doesn’t return to a big European championship in December he’ll have no chance for the World Cup,” Capello said.

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“Beckham always maintained that he would go back to Europe towards the end of the year in order to give himself the best possible chance of playing in the World Cup finals in South Africa and is keen to return to Milan for a second loan spell. His advisers have also attracted tentative inquiries from several Barclays Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur.

Leonardo, the Milan coach, said that he would welcome back the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder. “David is a very intelligent player. He helped us so much when he wore our shirt,” Leonardo said

Meanwhile Beckham, who was included in Capello’s squad for this week’s friendly against Holland, has spoken out against those who have criticised him for becoming England’s most capped outfield played on the back of a number of recent substitute appearances.

“It amazes me. Have they never heard of substitutes?” he said. “My critics talk about ‘cheap’ caps and about only coming on for a few minutes at the end in some games. I know it upsets some people.

“But let’s get it right. I have started 100 games for England, and that’s a milestone in itself. So I don’t listen to those critics. What does matter to me is the reaction of the fans.”"