Milan welcomes David Beckham

After saluting the fans, Beckham heads to the stands where he is joined by his wife




And the presence of the Englishman clearly inspires his new team-mates as they storm to a 5-1 win over Udinese




Wife Victoria Beckham is on hand to offer her husband support




Beckham is introduced to the San Siro crowd ahead of Sunday's Serie A clash with Udinese




Milan make the very best of their first opportunity to show off the new number 32 shirt




A third outfit for the day sees Becks scrub up nicely in a pinstripe suit


First things first as David Beckham undergoes a medical before his AC Milan unveiling on Saturday - sensibly he has wrapped up warm




'Goldenballs' might have only just arrived in Milan but the Serie A club are already making the most of Beckham's commercial worth



Beckham gets to look mean and moody in an AC Milan shirt for the first time - and pose with a football as well




And the number is 32 - AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani will be hoping to shift plenty of these beauties





A David Beckham scarf - so much better than getting a pair of socks for Christmas

Beckham worth a place - Ancelotti

David Beckham will play a significant role for AC Milan during his loan spell, says coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The Los Angeles Galaxy player joins the Italian side until March as he attempts to stay fit in the US close season.

And after the Englishman was paraded in front of the San Siro crowd on Sunday, Ancelotti made it clear that the move was more than a publicity exercise.

"Certainly there is a place for him because he is a great player," said the Milan coach.

"He is very well-prepared tactically and he can give a contribution to this team.

"He is in good condition and if he is one of the 11 names on the team sheet, then it is because he deserves to be there.

"I met with him this morning and he has been welcomed very well. We are all delighted to have him here.

"We are all happy because what we have got is a great professional."

Speaking on Saturday, Beckham said a key reason behind the loan was the relatively short length of the football season in the United States.

"I've always said I would miss playing at the highest level," said the 33-year-old.

"I'm not saying that in America they won't get to the highest level - it will take time and it will happen - but with five months off during the season I personally can't do that."

Beckham, who has 107 England caps, needs to remain fit to keep his place in England squad as he bids to surpass Bobby Moore's outfield record of 108 caps.

"I know how (England coach) Fabio Capello works," said Beckham. "If you're good enough and working hard enough, you'll be in the team no matter where you are or where you're playing.

"You should not be given England caps lightly, they're very precious. People have questioned that in the last few games I've played in which is quite unbelievable considering I'm on 107 caps.

"To be up there with Bobby Moore is an incredible thing. If I end up equalling the record, I'd be even more honoured but at the moment I take each game as it comes."

Capello - a former coach of AC Milan - said on Saturday: "I put [Beckham] in the squad when he played with LA and if he plays for AC Milan it is possible he will be in the squad.

"Beckham's record is not important for me - I decide the squad to win a game, not for the record."

And Beckham, who began Saturday's news conference by addressing the assembled media with a few words in Italian, admitted: "I needed to be able to be playing top-flight football to keep myself fit, to keep myself in contention for other things that are going on."

The first game Beckham could potentially play for Milan is their away match against Roma on 11 January.

"I wouldn't have taken this opportunity if I didn't think I could help the team," said Beckham.

"It's not about anything else apart from the football. I've come here to play with some of the best players in the world.

"To be able to step on to the training field with Kaka, (Andrea) Pirlo, (Paolo) Maldini, Ronaldinho - there's so many players that I've always watched and played against but never played with.

"There's some great players out there and I don't expect to walk in on the first day and be starting in the team, it doesn't happen like that.

"I'm going to work hard in training, I'm going to get my fitness - because I need to - and then once I'm fit, hopefully I can get some time in the team, and hopefully help.

"I know there's quite a few injuries at the moment," he added, referring to a lengthy injury list that includes the likes of Kaka, Pirlo, Gennaro Gattuso and Mathieu Flamini.

Beckham, who will wear the number 32 shirt, is especially keen to line up alongside 40-year-old defender Maldini.

"What is great about AC Milan is the history of the club, that's what makes great clubs," said the Englishman. "Who better to represent the club than Maldini?

"He's still playing at top level. That just shows the club's amazing structure, amazing beliefs in players whether they're young or old. As long as they're talented it doesn't matter.

"I've played against him and know how good he is. Now to play with him, well it's a huge honour.

"I love the history behind great teams, I've said it before. I loved playing for Manchester United. They will always be the team that gave me my start, gave me the chance to win so many trophies.

"I fell in love with Real Madrid too and now that I've seen AC Milan, I'm already falling in love.

"It's going to be hard to leave but I'm going to have a great time here I hope."

Earlier on Saturday Milan suggested they would consider signing Beckham on loan again in 2010 if his two-month spell goes well.

"We hope Beckham leaves an indelible mark," said chief executive Adriano Galliani. "Next year we could repeat the experience, maybe for longer."

Galliani had previously hinted that Beckham may want to spend more than two months in Serie A but the chief executive played down the speculation.

"David Beckham will stay with Milan up to 9 March. The last match is Milan v Atalanta on 8 March. I don't want to delude anyone," he said.

Prior to his official unveiling Beckham had a medical at a private clinic.

Capello denies fixing David Beckham Milan move

England coach Fabio Capello has denied fixing up David Beckham's three-month loan move to AC Milan.

Speculation in Italy has been rife that the former Milan coach had asked Rossoneri chief executive Adriano Galliani to take the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder so he could stay fit and in contention for England during the U.S. close season.

Asked what part he had played in the loan, Capello told Sunday's Gazzetta Sportiva: "None. Galliani asked me my opinion on Beckham. I told him that he is a good player and a good person.

"Galliani spoke to me after having decided to take Beckham, not before."

However, Capello thinks the January move will be positive for the 33-year-old, who was omitted for this Wednesday's friendly in Germany because he has not played since last month.

"I don't change my methods. Those who aren't playing don't join the national team," the Italian said. "If Galaxy had reached the playoffs, he would have been called up. He is a good player, I am sure he will play at Milan."

England failed to reach Euro 2008 but have won four World Cup qualifiers out of four since Capello took over. He thinks his side are well-prepared for another crack at Germany, having famously won 5-1 in Munich in 2001.

"I believe my players are ready for a match of this level after the successes in qualification for South Africa 2010. Now the players have faith in their ability and potential," he said.

"We have worked a lot at removing insecurity and fear. The improvement has been consistent, game after game. There are no limits for this England."

Steven Gerrard ruled out of Germany game

Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of England's friendly with Germany on Wednesday because of a torn leg muscle.

The Liverpool midfielder picked up the injury in Saturday's 2-0 win at Bolton and will be out for seven to 10 days.

Manchester United pair Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand are are also missing with calf and back injuries, respectively.

Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne was a surprise inclusion in Fabio Capello's squad, which also excluded LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham.

Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton confirmed the extent of Gerrard's injury: "Steven picked up an injury in yesterday's game at Bolton.

"A scan this morning has confirmed a tear in the adductor magnus muscle in his right leg, and he is expected to be out between seven to 10 days."

Beckham, who has not played since the Major League Soccer season finished on 26 October, misses the chance to equal Bobby Moore's tally of 108 caps with Capello making it clear he will only pick players who are playing regularly.

Beckham will be inactive until he joins Italian side AC Milan on loan in January.

Mancienne, who joined Wolves on a three-month loan deal in October, said the call-up had been unexpected.

"It's a great honour," he told Wolves's website: "I was expecting to join up with the under-21s and my head was focused on that but this is obviously great news.

"It's a great game to be picked for and just to be in and around the squad will be superb."

Mancienne, who is yet to play for the Chelsea first team, joins uncapped Aston Villa duo Curtis Davies, 23 and Gabriel Agbonlahor, 22, in a youthful England setup.

Martin O'Neill's team have four representatives in all, with Ashley Young and Gareth Barry completing the Villa quartet.

Ferdinand, who is suffering with a bad back, and Rooney, who has a chest infection and calf strain, both missed Manchester United's 5-0 drubbing of Stoke and leave Capello with shortages in defence and attack.

Ferdinand's England centre-back partner John Terry is included despite picking up an injury during the Blues' 3-0 win at West Brom on Saturday.

Should the captain's injury worsen in the coming days, Capello will go to Berlin without his entire first-choice defence and strikeforce.

Chelsea team-mates Ashley and Joe Cole are missing with hamstring injuries, and Manchester United defender Wes Brown is also missing with an injury.

Terry will have a scan on Sunday and Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari said: "The doctor told me that John needs to go to the hospital tomorrow (Sunday) for a scan.

"If he has a condition then he should not play but if he does not have a condition he must play."

Despite the injuries to Emile Heskey and Rooney, Capello has opted not to recall striker Michael Owen, who scored for Newcastle in their draw with Wigan on Saturday.

However, Spurs striker Bent, revitalised under new boss Harry Redknapp, earns a recall, while Manchester City's Joe Hart and Micah Richards also return.

The Manchester City pair, team-mate Shaun Wright-Phillips, plus Joleon Lescott and Stewart Downing must all come through Premier League fixtures for their clubs on Sunday first.

Capello said he will take a careful look at the youngsters in his new-look England squad in the international friendly at the Olympic Stadium, home of Hertha Berlin.

"Our opponents Germany are always a very strong team, and when they play at home even more so," he said.

"Everyone has told me that it is not a friendly game against Germany, but I think this will be a friendly game. We will do some experiments and after this game I will know better some different players."

David Beckham awaits England squad call

Beckham awaits England squad call

David Beckham will find out on Saturday whether he will get the chance to equal Bobby Moore's tally of 108 caps in Wednesday's friendly with Germany.

England coach Fabio Capello will name his squad at around 1900 GMT - and there is speculation Beckham will be left out as he lacks match fitness.

The LA Galaxy midfielder, 33, has not played since the Major League Soccer season finished on 26 October.

But if Beckham is left out it would not signal the end of his England career.

Beckham was a member of the England team that defeated Germany 5-1 in their famous win in Munich under coach Sven-Goran Eriksson in 2001.

But his participation this time is in doubt because Capello has made it clear he will only pick players who are playing regularly and Beckham will be inactive until he joins Italian side AC Milan on loan in January.

"The door will still be open for him. It will be interesting to see how he gets on at AC Milan and he could be back in the England squad for their next friendly against Spain in February.

"But he will be picked on merit, as a squad player, not as a star who is adding to his collection of caps."

Beckham needs one more cap to equal Moore's record as England's most-capped outfield player, although he is still some way short of goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who won 125 caps.

If the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder is not included, it will be the first time that Capello has not selected him since he recalled him to the squad to face France in March.

The England coach must also decide whether to recall Michael Owen, who has played a part in Newcastle's last two games after missing three matches with a groin injury.

Capello is definitely without Chelsea pair Ashley and Joe Cole, who are both sidelined with hamstring problems.

And Wigan striker Emile Heskey is also out of action with a calf strain.

But Joe Hart and Gabriel Agbonlahor are set to be included as Capello is keen to give them more senior experience.

Manchester City goalkeeper Hart, 21, and Aston Villa striker Agbonlaor, 22, were both left out of Stuart Pearce's Under-21 squad to face the Czech Republic on Tuesday.

Fabio Capello called up by FA to help England's bid for 2018 World Cup

The FA believe that Capello's personality and reputation as one of the globe's finest coaches will help them persuade Fifa powerbrokers to vote for England.

The FA have already named David Beckham, John Barnes and England women's team coach Hope Powell as vice-presidents and Capello will join the trio on a charm offensive. England's manager will be used to meet and greet the Fifa executive committee members who will decide whether the 2018 World Cup is staged in England, Spain, Russia or Australia.

Between now and when the vote is made in 2011, England are scheduling a series of friendlies with countries whose federations boast Fifa executive committee members. Between training sessions, Capello will be asked to do goodwill visits and promotional work for 2018.

“I shall do everything I can to help England’s cause,’’ Capello said. “This is an opportunity to offer England’s future players the chance to represent their country in front of their own fans and as national coach I know what an exciting prospect that is. My prime responsibility is to build a national team that will compete at the highest level but if I can also help to strengthen England’s claims to stage the World Cup tournament I shall consider it a tremendous honour.”

The make-up of the 2018 executive board has been criticised as overly political, with people such as Baroness Amos, Gerry Sutcliffe and Richard Caborn involved, but the vice-presidents are primarily football figures. The two exceptions are Lord Stern, a political ally of Gordon Brown and noted for a report on climate change.

The FA believe that Stern's presence will give their bid a "green'' feel. The Tesco chief executive, Sir Terry Leahy, is also among the six unveiled by the FA on Tuesday. A keen Everton supporter, Leahy has worked with the FA on a skills scheme, although the presence of somebody from the supermarket business will inevitably raise the sensitive issue of the selling-off of school playing fields for commercial development.

The Professional Footballers Association's chief executive, Gordon Taylor, brings his experience to the 2018 cause and an ability to provide players for promotional activities. The FA are keen to remind Fifa that the Premier League is effectively the world league based in England; supportive comments from some of the elite's foreign stars will undoubtedly follow.

In an attempt to address Premier League concerns over the balance of the bid, the FA have appointed Chelsea's chief executive, Peter Kenyon, as a vice-president. Superficially a controversial selection because of his occasional habit of making outlandish statements, Kenyon allows the FA to tap into Chelsea's increasing worldwide glamour and contacts. (Manchester United's David Gill is already on board.)

The sixth vice-president chosen was Geoff Thompson, Lord Triesman's predecessor as FA chairman and now vice-president of Fifa. Although Thompson proved a hopeless chairman, he has become a highly-respected figure in the corridors of power at Fifa and Uefa. Apart from the FA's head of international relations, Jane Bateman, no one at Soho Square knows more administrators at the top of world football than Thompson.

Fabio Capello may leave out David Beckham of England squad to face Germany

The England coach has a policy of omitting those who are not playing, and the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder falls into that category.

Although Beckham has worked hard to retain Capello's faith, making a series of substitute appearances for England to close in on Bobby Moore's outfield record of 108 caps, he is already two weeks into the Galaxy's long winter break.

Beckham has agreed to join AC Milan on loan in January to maintain his fitness, before rejoining the Galaxy in March for the Major League Soccer season.

For the Germany game, Capello is more interested in studying the form of other England contenders, such as David Bentley and his Tottenham team-mate Bent.

Capello will be at White Hart Lane tomorrow to watch Bent, among others, play for Tottenham against Liverpool in the Carling Cup. Bent could replace Emile Heskey in next week's England squad after the Wigan striker was injured at the weekend.

Whether Bent starts against Liverpool remains to be seen, but having already staked a claim for this season's 'golden boot' with 11 goals, he is being backed by Tottenham captain Ledley King for an England call-up.

Bent has scored seven in the Premier League, adding two more in Sunday's 2-1 win over Manchester City to steer Tottenham out of the bottom three. The £16.5 million striker has not featured for his country since playing in the dying moments of the defeat to Croatia a year ago. But King urged Capello to consider giving Bent, who has three senior England caps, another opportunity.

"We're delighted with him at the moment," the centre-back said. "His finishing is superb and he deserves his chance to play for England. He is the top English scorer and that speaks for itself."