David Beckham believes that a return to AC Milan is the best way to ensure his place in Fabio Capello’s England squad for the World Cup finals in South Africa next summer.

Beckham’s loan move in January back to the Serie A club, where he spent the early part of this year, was confirmed yesterday, although he is hopeful of leading the Los Angeles Galaxy to the MLS Cup.

“I need to give myself the best chance possible to make the World Cup squad and playing for Milan on loan will help me to do that,” Beckham said. “I genuinely enjoyed my time at Milan and I look forward to meeting the players and staff again.”

Beckham believed his initial move to Milan last season would help to prolong his England career, but the deal was tinged with controversy after the midfield player opted to extend his three-month loan arrangement into the summer rather than return to California. This time, Beckham has said that he plans to return to the Galaxy after the World Cup finals.

“I’m committed to LA Galaxy and MLS in the long term and remain as passionate as ever about growing the game of soccer in America,” Beckham said. “I’m completely focused on ending this season on a high note with my club by winning the MLS Cup.”

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid player helped the Galaxy to a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Western Conference semi-final against Chivas USA on Sunday.

The clubs, who share the Home Depot Centre in Carson, will play the second leg on Sunday — with the Galaxy technically the home side — after neither could hold a lead in the first match.

“It was never going to be easy,” Beckham said. “But we started both halves poorly and we got punished. What we can take from the game is that when we went 1-0 down, we came back and showed character.”