England midfielder David Beckham claims next year's World Cup might not be his last as he targets a spot in the 2014 finals.

Beckham turns 39 just before the tournament in Brazil and, although he remains cautious about setting it as a definite target for himself, he is not ruling anything out.

"The 2014 World Cup? We'll see," he said in an interview with Italian magazine Sportsweek. "I'd like to play until I'm 40 and take part in another World Cup, but at this age you have to evaluate things year after year.

"I've always said I'll always be available for England. If they didn't call me up, I'd do everything to put myself in the condition to be recalled."

The former England captain was dropped after the 2006 World Cup by new coach Steve McClaren but eventually recalled the following May and retained his place after leaving Real Madrid for Los Angeles Galaxy.

Fabio Capello also left Beckham out of his first matches in charge but the former Manchester United man forced his way back into the squad thanks to a successful loan deal at AC Milan.

Beckham is heading back to Milan for another loan spell as he bids to keep his place for the 2010 World Cup.

His place on the plane to South Africa appears assured but England's most capped outfield player insists no-one can take their position for granted.

"The squad is full of very good players and those who want to be part of it are just as good," added Beckham. "The competition for places will be very fierce and that's why we have to give our all every time we play.

"We all know what Capello is like and how he reacts if you are playing well or badly. In the first case, you have opportunities, in the second you don't have a chance.

"That's why it is very important for me to return to Milan and put myself in the spotlight. Capello always said I had to return to Europe after December if I wanted to be at the World Cup."