Capello calls time on Beckham
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England's injured midfielder David Beckham watches the game during the 1/8 final match between England and Germany at the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Free State stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on June 27, 2010. [Xinhua/Li Ga] |
David Beckham's England career may be over for good as coach Fabio Capello said on Wednesday that the 35-year-old former captain is too old and will no longer be a part of his plans.
"I won't be picking him for any more competitive matches," Capello said after England beat Hungary 2-1 in a friendly at Wembley.
"David is a fantastic player, he was really important, but we have to see the new players for the future because the age is important for a lot of people, not only for David."
Capello said Beckham, who trails only goalkeeper Peter Shilton's record of 125 England appearances, will have the chance to play in a friendly "farewell game."
"I hope he can play one more friendly game to say bye bye," Capello said.
Beckham was in the United States training with the Los Angeles Galaxy for the first time in five months.
Beckham has repeatedly said he has no plans of retiring from playing for England. He went to the World Cup in South Africa in June as a member of Capello's off-field staff after being sidelined following Achilles' tendon surgery.
Beckham's spokesman, Simon Oliveira, said the player isn't calling it quits.
"There has been no discussion of retirement," Oliveira said. "He will always be available for his country, when fit and if needed he will be there."
