LA Galaxy star David Beckham is happy to play a bit-part role for England at next year's World Cup.

The midfielder has finished his season with LA Galaxy and is preparing to join AC Milan on loan to ensure he has the best possible chance of being included in Fabio Capello's squad for South Africa.

He said: "I am always ready. If I start from the beginning then I have to be ready and it's the same if I have to come on.

"With this side and with the talent we have, I am not going to play all the time. But with Capello you have to be always ready.

"There are some strong players in the side and there are also some who would like to get into the squad. Competition is fierce and that's why we have to really give our best when we play.

"We all know how Capello is and how he reacts if you are playing good or bad. In the first case you have a possibility, in the second one you don't have a chance.

"That's why it is important for me to return to Milan and play well.

"Capello knows and he is happy with that - I always said that I needed to play in Europe from December if I wanted to get to the World Cup."