England national soccer team coach Fabio Capello has warned David Beckham that he will be left out of the England squad for next summer's World Cup if he does not return to Europe before this December, media reports said Tuesday.
The England manager has always said that Beckham must continue at the highest level if he is to retain his place in the national team. Beckham is currently back at parent club LA Galaxy but Capello has made no secret of the fact he holds little regard for the standard of MLS football.
"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," said Capello.
The 34-year-old is back in the reckoning on the international arena following a successful loan stint at AC Milan last term. Leonardo, the Milan coach, said that he would welcome back the LA Galaxy midfielder. "David is a very intelligent player. He helped us so much when he wore our shirt," Leonardo said.
Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester City are thought to be the potential interested parties in England with Milan willing to again offer Beckham a deal.
Wherever he goes, Beckham will need assurances of playing regular first-team football to make sure he remains in Capello's plans.
(Agencies via Xinhua News Agency August 11, 2009)