Fabio Capello Omits Former Captain

Posted by Logan Holmes Feb 4, 2008

England manager, Fabio Capello decided against including David Beckham in his squad for the friendly international against Switzerland at Wembley.

Beckham currently on 99 appearances for his country had been hoping to be selected to enable him to join the elite group of players who have won 100 caps for England.

Lack of Fitness

Capello expressed concerns over Beckham’s fitness as he has played little competitive football since moving to LA Galaxy last summer. His appearances were restricted due to injury and the new football season has yet to commence in America.

Beckham had been training with Arsenal in an attempt to prove his fitness for the international but the manager was less than impressed.

Capello's DilemmaBeckham is a continuing dilemma for Capello. The former captain who was part of Capello’s title winning team at Real Madrid has been an excellent player and ambassador for his country and it would be a fitting tribute for him to make his 100th appearance. However, the manger is looking to build a team for the future which will not include Beckham.

Every time Capello selects his squad, the Beckham question will arise in the media frenzy that surrounds the former captain. It may have been better if he had chosen him for this match, where he could have received a warm reception from the home fans at Wembley, enabling everyone to move on to a new era without Beckham.

Future England MatchesEngland’s next international is in France at the end of March and any future games at the end of the season will be an important part of Capello’s preparations for the World Cup qualification games which commence in September.

The opportunity for Beckham to win that elusive cap is rapidly receding.