Becks expected England axe
05 Feb 2008 - 07:32:24
David Beckham claims he 'respects' Fabio Capello's decision but was not surprised to be omitted from the new coach's first England squad.
The 32-year-old former captain had hoped to win his 100th international cap in Wednesday's friendly with Switzerland.
However Capello, his former manager at Real Madrid, claimed the now Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder had not played enough competitive matches in recent months to warrant inclusion in the squad.
"It's always disappointing when you're not included in an England squad," he told Sky Sports News.
"The thing is I half expected it because I know what Fabio Capello is like as a manager and if he thinks you're not fit and ready to play then you won't be in the team.
"I totally respect that and totally understand that. There are a lot of Premiership players who have played 15 games in the last two months and I haven't played a game since December so to be called into the squad was probably unfair."
However, Beckham has denied claims that his recent globe-trotting to attend several high-profile functions might have been a mistake.
"I'd done everything I could to make myself available, I worked hard for a month with Arsenal," he added.
"I did go to Sierra Leone and Brazil, but those trips were only four days long and for the rest of the month I was training very hard.
"It's simply down to not playing any games, the manager explained that, and I wish him and the rest of the players good luck for the first game.
"I think he's a great appointment and he's going to be good for the English game."