David Beckham may have to miss England’s friendly against Brazil next month because of commitments to the Los Angeles Galaxy.

England’s final game of the year, in Doha, Qatar, on November 14, clashes with the Conference Championships of the Major League Soccer play-offs, which the Galaxy have reached for the first time in four years. The Galaxy must win a two-legged Conference semi-final at the start of November to qualify for a one-off match, effectively the MLS Cup semi-final, on the weekend that England meet Brazil.

Beckham’s priority remains extending his international career for as long as possible in the hope of appearing at a fourth successive World Cup, but he has no plans go to war with the Galaxy if they refuse to release him.

The club are expected to announce shortly a second loan move to AC Milan in an attempt to boost his aspirations to be part of the England squad in South Africa next summer.

Missing the Brazil game, in which Fabio Capello plans to pick his first-choice team, may be a blow to Beckham’s England prospects because rivals could take advantage, but it is unlikely to be a terminal one.

Beckham’s greatest concern if he misses facing Brazil is likely to be a statistical one, because it would end his dream of overhauling Peter Shilton’s record of 125 caps at the World Cup finals.

The 34-year-old made his 115th appearance against Belarus on Wednesday and, with Capello planning to have only three further internationals before the tournament, Beckham would have to play in every match en route to the final to draw level.