Fabio Capello, the England coach, has suggested David Beckham is assured a place in his World Cup squad if he is fit.

Beckham, 34, will spend the second half of the season in Serie A with AC Milan in a bid to prolong his international career.

"Of course, if he plays well and is fit I will include him in my squad," Capello told the Italian sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I don't look at age, I pay attention to quality and David has a lot. He's serious, he's a great professional and he's crazy about the World Cup.

"He will again do good for Milan because he has the right head on his shoulders."

The midfielder, on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy, took part in his first Milan training session on Monday.