British soccer star David Beckham underwent successful surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon on Monday in Finland, medical officials said.

Dr. Sakari Orava confirmed that with the procedure, the midfielder will miss playing for England in this summer's World Cup in South Africa.

Orava said Beckham would likely be sidelined for about six months. It is unclear how quickly he will be able to return to resume play for the Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer.

The Galaxy was loaning Beckham to AC Milan in a bid to win a spot on England's World Cup team when he was injured late in the second half of Sunday's 1-0 win over Chievo. Beckham received a pass and grabbed at his left ankle after taking an awkward step.

Beckham, the most-capped outfield player in England history with 115, is second only to goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who has amassed 125 caps.

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