Beckham Snubbed By England ... And Rightly So!

Last updated : 31 January 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor

Fabio Capello has told David Beckham that he will not be part of his first England squad, which is being named this afternoon.

The England manager telephoned the midfielder last night 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.

Capello does know what Beckham can offer to a side - he was manager of Real Madrid last season and restored the England midfielder to the team after he was initially left out when he announced he was moving to America.

Beckham responded with a run of form that helped inspire Real to win the Spanish league.