Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says David Beckham should be in England's World Cup squad.

Ferguson will lay down the welcome mat on March 10 when Beckham, in his second spell on loan with AC Milan, returns to Old Trafford for the second leg of their quarter-final for the first time at club level since he left nearly seven years ago. But that is as far as it goes.

"David is sure of a tremendous response from United fans," Ferguson told the Mail on Sunday.

"They all recognise his contribution at the club and what he has done since, especially with England. I have followed his career, as I do with any player who leaves United. It is no surprise to me that he is still playing at the highest level even when, at one time, that looked unlikely during his final months at Real Madrid. Going to play in America might not have been the best thing but it hasn't held him back. He's done really well."