I want to play for England after World Cup, says Beckham

London: David Beckham wants to continue playing for England even after next year`s World Cup finals in South Africa, he was quoted as saying on Saturday.

"If we won the World Cup and I equalled the caps record in the final, that would be an amazing way to finish, but I`d still find it hard to walk away from playing," the L A Galaxy midfielder told Saturday`s edition of Britain`s The Times newspaper ahead of the MLS Cup final on Sunday. "Even if that dream came true, I`d still make myself available to play for my country. I`d love to still be involved in some way, whether it`s actually playing a game or not.” "My passion for the team and the country is that strong. That`s never going to change," added Beckham who could equal goalkeeper Peter Shilton`s record of 125 caps if he plays regularly and England reach the World Cup final next July. Earlier this month, Beckham agreed a deal to rejoin AC Milan on loan from the Galaxy in January thereby boosting his hopes of a place in the England squad for the 2010 tournament. "I`m dedicated to going to South Africa and wouldn`t leave my family for six months if I wasn`t," added Beckham, whose family plan to stay in California when he moves to Milan."It`s not something I`m looking forward to. I don`t want to be away from my wife and children for that length of time but it`s probably the last time I`ll do it.” "I`m so honoured that Milan have given me the chance to go back, but the hope of playing for England is the only reason I`m doing it." Bureau Report