David Beckham wins World Cup boost from AC Milan doctor as star told he's in great condition for England

David Beckham's World Cup prospects have been handed a major boost after an AC Milan club doctor hailed the England midfielder's fitness.

Beckham this week has returned for a second loan spell in Serie A in a bid to convince Fabio Capello he is fit and sharp enough to deserve a place in England's squad for South Africa next summer.

And Rossoneri doctor Massimo Manara gave the the former Real Madrid star a ringing endorsement, saying he was in as good a condition as last year when Beckham took Italy by storm with a series of impressive performances.

'I found David Beckham really well,' Manara told the club's television channel. 'Even though a year has passed, he looked to be at the same level as a year ago to me. The problem he had with his right foot in previous weeks is resolved.'

Beckham had had trouble with a bruised right ankle bone in the run-up to the Major League Soccer Cup final, which his permanent club LA Galaxy lost to Real Salt Lake on penalties in November.