Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has backed David Beckham to make England's World Cup squad, but still insists he has no regrets over selling the midfielder seven years ago.

Ferguson is preparing to meet up with his former player when United take on Milan in their Champions League second round clash and the Scot expects Beckham's second spell at the San Siro to result in him securing a place in Fabio Capello's plans for South Africa.

"I think I told him myself last year when I saw him before our game against Inter that he should be thinking about getting back to Europe if he wanted to go to the World Cup," Ferguson said.

"And it looks like he might just get his wish now. He had a good spell with Milan last time, so it made sense to me to see him back there again."

With Beckham still thriving as he approaches his 35th birthday, Ferguson was asked if he regretted selling him when he was in his prime. "No regrets. We move on," was the response.

United travel to Milan for the first leg of their tie on February 16 and the second leg, three weeks later, will represent Beckham's first return to Old Trafford since he left for Real Madrid in 2003.