David Beckham believes the punishing fitness regime at AC Milan will help extend his record-breaking international career.

The 33-year-old is expected to eclipse Bobby Moore's mark and become England's most capped outfield player with his 109th appearance against Slovakia tomorrow.

But the former Manchester United star shows no sign of retiring having enjoyed a new lease of life since joining AC Milan on loan from LA Galaxy in January. Beckham said: "Playing at a club like Milan, and with the players we've got, has improved my confidence and my form.

"Form-wise it's taken me to another level and England will benefit from it. Fitness-wise, it's definitely taken me to another level. I'm the best I've been for long time.

"I've always said that when my fitness is at a high level, I can perform. It's literally down to training because my diet hasn't changed.

"The training regime, the amount of respect that the players have for each other at Milan, is unbelievable. The amount they work for each other, in games and in training, sets the tone."

Playing in the 2010 World Cup remains one of Beckham's goals and he is also closing in on Peter Shilton's overall record for England caps of 125.

Beckham's presence in the squad has caused concern in some quarters that he is preventing younger players from making a bigger impact .

Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright-Phillips are also hoping to play against Slovakia especially as one of their other rivals Theo Walcott, who made a big impact in the autumn, is out with a knee injury.

But Beckham insists he has no intention of quitting international football for the foreseeable future and believes he can be a help to the next generation rather than a hindrance.

He added: "I don't feel as if I'm getting in the way. I can help with my experience. To be here and be around these players, seeing the talent coming through not only on the right, is a good thing.

"That's been one of the exceptional things about Fabio Capello coming in as manager. He's played people like Theo who have been incredible for their clubs. I'm not going to complain about that.

"Without a doubt, Theo, Aaron and Shaun have been exceptional for their clubs."