England's David Beckham in action against Wales during their World Cup Qualifying soccer game at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, on Oct. 9 2004. [Agencies - File Photo]

England captain David Beckham says he may retire from international soccer after the 2006 World Cup, media reported on Sunday.

The 29-year-old has been named in Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad for Wednesday's friendly with Spain after recovering from cracked ribs but says the current World Cup qualifying campaign and the finals in Germany could be his last for his country.

"I think the World Cup is probably as far at it will go for me as an England player," the Real Madrid midfielder was quoted as saying in the Sunday Express. "But you never know if I feel good I may carry on."

England are well-placed to make the 2006 finals, sitting top of Group Six on 10 points.

Beckham's Real Madrid team mate Zinedine Zidane has already retired from playing for France in a bid to extend his club career and Beckham says he will carry on playing as long as he can.

"I want to play on for as many years as people want to give me. When I start fading out and the legs start getting heavy is when I will look to do something else," he said.   

(Agencies)

friendly: （友谊赛）

carry on: to keep on（继续开展, 坚持）