David Beckham has the stage he needs to prove he belongs in England's World Cup squad following AC Milan's announcement that he will rejoin them in January for another six-month loan spell.

Now 34 years old and still under contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy, Beckham has been told by England coach Fabio Capello he needs top-level competition to show he merits a place in the group that will travel to South Africa next summer.

Milan were more than willing to bring the veteran back to the San Siro, where he spent a loan spell earlier this year and helped the club clinch a top-four finish to reach the Champions League.

"We are very happy to see again David Beckham with the Rossoneri jersey after the splendid experience of last season," said AC Milan vice-president Galliani.

"We are certain that this time in Europe will help the player take part in the next World Cup and to continue after his career in Los Angeles Galaxy, to whom we thank for their time."

Beckham, who is currently involved in the MLS play-offs, is looking forward to returning to the San Siro.

The midfielder explained: "I needed to give myself the best possible opportunity to go to the World Cup and to play on loan for Milan will help me to do.

"I really enjoyed my previous experience at Milan and I can't wait to see the team and the staff again.

"I thank Tim Leiweke and Bruce Arena for allowing me this opportunity.

"I remain linked to the Los Angeles Galaxy and to the MLS and I always feel a duty, as always, to help grow football in America.

"Now I am fully focused on ending in the best possible way the season winning the MLS Cup."

A statement from LA Galaxy read: "We have today completed the loan agreement of midfielder David Beckham to AC Milan, effective in January.

"Beckham remains under contract to the Galaxy and will play for the club throughout the MLS Cup play-offs, which continue on Sunday.

"In accordance with team and league regulations, details of the loan agreement were not released."

Galaxy head coach and general manager Bruce Arena said: "We are pleased to finalise David's loan to AC Milan and we look forward to his return to the Galaxy after the 2010 World Cup."

Beckham's arrival will be a blessing for the Rossoneri fans after the club failed to make any major signings this summer, while also enduring the departures of former coach Carlo Ancelotti to Chelsea and star player Kaka to Real Madrid.

Beckham will officially join AC Milan on December 28 and will remain with the club throughout their season, which ends on May 16, before rejoining the Galaxy after the World Cup.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star, who was a target of the Rossoneri before making his move to the MLS in 2007, could make his Serie A debut this season at home to Genoa on January 6.