Becks out of England squad

[kenny hoggan]

Sky Sports News understands David Beckham has been left out of Fabio Capello's first England squad for the friendly with Switzerland.


The England manager telephoned the midfielder and broke the news to Beckham - who is just one appearance short of becoming the fifth man to earn 100 England caps - but assured him he could be part of his plans for the future.

It is understood that Capello told the 32-year-old he wanted his players to be match-fit, and that naming Beckham in his squad to face Switzerland next week would be unfair on those who have been playing in matches week-in, week-out.

Beckham is very disappointed by the news, especially as he has been training with Arsenal during his holiday - Major League Soccer's close season - to get fit for Capello's first game in charge.

He has however been encouraged by his talk with Capello about the future.

In the phonecall, Capello told Beckham he was still part of his plans and that there was no reason why he will not pick him again as long as he is fit enough and playing well enough for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

It is also understood that Capello had no issue with Beckham going to Brazil and Africa this week.

Capello has a history of dropping the former Manchester United star, jettisoning him from the Real Madrid set-up after he signed for the Galaxy before, like Steve McClaren, recalling him as the season reached fever pitch.

Sky Sports | Football | News | Becks out of England squad

[c.ronaldo#1]

It was no big deal really. Even Beckham himself said he wasn't fit enough to play.

[G-R87]

The problem is that wheather he was fully fit or not it doesn't matter...It's a friendly, just let him get his 100th cap!

Ashley Young came on in the 87th minute. Why couln't Becks have done this? This is why I feel it is not to fo with fitness.

[Podolski]

I think it's better becks was out now that I think of it more. It was Capello's first game, so the attention should be on him. If becks were to play, everyone would be talking about that, concentrating on him and Capello probably wants it to be his show (understandably). Beckham will have another chance to get his 100th cap, but Capello's first game had to be then.