By Xinhua
London : Newly-appointed England coach Fabio Capello of Italy has left out David Beckham from the 30-member England squad for next week’s friendly against Switzerland, thereby denying the former captain his 100th international cap for the national side.
Beckham has to wait to achieve the milestone chance, although Capello insisted that the door was still open for the 32-year-old LA Galaxy star.
Keeper Paul Robinson has also been dropped from the squad, while Aston Villa winger Gabriel Agbonlahor and defender Curtis Davies won their first call-up to the senior national team.
Although striker Michael Owen is included in the team, speculation was rife that his lack of form might cost him a place in the playing eleven. Emile Heskey, Liverpool’s Peter Crouch and Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney complete the other strikers in the squad.
Capello harboured reservations about Beckham’s match fitness, as the midfielder has not played a competitive game since England’s defeat against Croatia in the Euro qualifiers in Nov 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 to David on the phone yesterday I advised him that he is still part of my plans and once he is playing regularly in the US we will look closely at him again.”
Beckham had been training with Arsenal recently to maintain his fitness, and said Tuesday: “I am as fit as I can be. I’m ready to be selected.”
Capello will name his final 23-man squad Saturday and also have to make a decision on the issue of captaincy. Rio Ferdinand, endorsed by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, and Liverpool’s Steven Gerrardare the lead runners for the post.
Former coach Steve McClaren’s first choice skipper, Chelsea centre-back John Terry is also out of the squad because of an injury.
The squad:
Goalkeepers: David James (Portsmouth), Scott Carson (Liverpool on loan at Aston Villa), Chris Kirkland (Wigan)
Defenders: Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Curtis Davies (West Brom on loan at Aston Villa), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), Ledley King (Tottenham Hotspur), Nicky Shorey (Reading), Wes Brown (Manchester United), Joleon Lescott (Everton), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Matthew Upson (West Ham United), Jonathan Woodgate (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders: Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham Hotspur), Owen Hargreaves (Manchester United), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Ashley Young (Aston Villa), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), David Bentley (Blackburn Rovers)
Forwards: Emile Heskey (Wigan Athletic), Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Michael Owen (Newcastle United), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Peter Crouch (Liverpool)