David Beckham has been denied his 100th cap for England after
being left out of Fabio Capello's first England squad for
Wednesday's friendly against Switzerland.
Beckham has still to wait for the milestone chance although new
manager Capello insisted that the door was still open to the
32-year-old former England captain.
Keeper Paul Robinson was also dropped off the 30-man squad while
Aston Villa's winger Gabriel Agbonlahor and defender Curtis Davies
won their first call-ups to a senior England set-up.
Michael Owen is included despite speculation his lack of form
might cost him a place, while Heskey, Liverpool's Peter Crouch and
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney complete the strikers.
Capello harbored reservations about Beckham's match fitness as
the midfielder has not played a competitive game since England's
Euro qualifying defeat by Croatia on November 21.
"The reason that David is not in the squad is because he has not
had any real match practice since playing in November," Capello
said.
"When I spoke with David on the phone yesterday I advised him
that he is still part of my plans and once he is playing regularly
in America we will look closely at him again."
The Italian will name his final 23-man squad on Saturday and
also have to make a decision on the issue of who will be
captain.
Rio Ferdinand, endorsed by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, and
Liverpool's Steven Gerrard will lead the running. Chelsea
center-back John Terry, leader of choice under Steve McClaren, is
out of the squad because of injury.
Beckham had been training with Arsenal recently to maintain his
fitness, and said on Tuesday that he "is as fit as I can be. I'm
ready to be selected".
(Xinhua News Agency February 1, 2008)