Capello Pleased to See Beckham's Improving Fitness

This article is from last week but I wanted to post it anyway...

Despite being pleased to see David Beckham making good progress in his recovery from his Achilles' injury, England coach Fabio Capello is no closer to recalling the veteran midfielder. Capello had originally hoped to use Wednesday's friendly against France as a chance for Beckham to draw an end to his England career, after saying that the 35-year-old former captain was too old now for a greater role.

But Beckham rejected that opportunity, while maintaining that he would never retire from international football. And Capello backtracked on his previous announcement to say that the Los Angeles Galaxy player would always be considered for selection.

But while Beckham is virtually clear of his Achilles' tendon injury, he won't be getting a chance to extend the appearance record for an England outfield player to 116 caps on Wednesday. nstead, Beckham is aiming for a second successive Major League Soccer championship game - the MLS Cup - on November 21. The Galaxy plays FC Dallas in the Western Conference finals on Sunday.

"I watched a game that he played - he is getting better," Capello said. "I am really happy with him."

Despite not playing at a fourth World Cup, Beckham went to South Africa in June as part of Capello's backroom staff. "During the World Cup he trained really hard every day," Capello told a briefing. "This period was really important for him because the Achilles' tendon needs a lot of work and a lot of training. The physio did a really good job. You know the door is open for all the players. He has said at this moment he is focused on the games he has to play for LA Galaxy."

But Capello's focus is selecting younger players for qualifying for the 2012 European Championship. And Beckham won't be going on loan to a European team in January like he did with AC Milan the last two years to keep fit during the MLS offseason.
source: Times of India

David's England Career in Numbers

Fabio Capello's decision brings to an end a glittering England career for Beckham, though one which contained ups and downs in equal measure.

Beckham's career in numbers:

115: Beckham earned 115 caps for England, the most for any outfield player and second only to Peter Shilton on England's all-time list of appearance makers.

17: Beckham scored 17 international goals. The first came against Colombia during the group stage of the 1998 World Cup, while the last was against Ecuador in the second round of the 2006 World Cup. Both were from free kicks.

58: He captained England 58 times in total.

3: Beckham became the first England player to score in three World Cups when he scored against Ecuador in Germany.

93: Beckham's 93rd-minute free kick against Greece in a 2002 World Cup qualifier at Old Trafford remains one of the standout moments of his England career.

2: Beckham was the first player ever to be sent off twice for England, after his infamous red card against Argentina in World Cup 1998 and another against Austria seven years later.

0: Number of trophies lifted by Beckham in an England shirt, along with the rest of the so-called Golden Generation.
source: itv.com

Fabio Capello Ends David's England Career

Fabio Capello started the season by ending an era when he blew the final whistle on David Beckham's England career. Capello told the British broadcaster ITV that Beckham is "probably a bit too old" to play for his country again, adding: "I thank (David) very much for helping me at the World Cup.”

When speaking before the England match today, Capello said: "I hope when David is okay he can play here the last game at Wembley in a friendly to say goodbye and thank you very much to the crowd. I won't be picking him for any more competitive matches. 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."

This comes as a shock not only to fans, but to the Beckham camp as well. David and Fabio Capello did not even discuss this matter before the England manager went public. "Did I phone him before I went on television? No. I think I will speak with him. We tried to speak with him. I think David knows that he has no future with the national team because we have to change. It’s only eight people who played in the World Cup are here. I have to change. I have to look for new players. I have to think about the future."

Davids agent reacted to the news by sending BBC Sport a statement which dismissed the prospect of the 35-year-old announcing his retirement in the wake of Capello's frank admission. The statement read: "For your info, there has been no discussion of retirement. He will always be available for his country, when fit and if needed he will be there.''

Steven Gerrard backed Beckham to keep fighting to add to his caps and does not think the former England skipper will take this latest setback lying down. He said: "I'm sure that if he hears that news, it'll drive him on and he'll try to prove people wrong and try to get back in the set-up because I know he loves playing for England. David can hold his head up high for the service he's given to the England team. Legendary status, without a doubt. He's put a long shift in as an England player. He's had some fantastic performances, some fantastic goals, memories. He was a fantastic captain. I've learnt a lot from David and it's been a pleasure to play alongside him. If he has played his last game, he'll certainly be missed because, both on and off the pitch, he's a great guy."

Fellow midfielder Gareth Barry also hopes he adds to his caps: "I'm not sure what David's feelings towards that is. Hopefully, that won't be the end. He'll keep fighting. I know he'll probably want to. Everyone knows what an icon and a legend he is."

I, for one, am in a state of complete shock and a bit of disgust. I can't believe he wasn't contacted before this. For a man of David's calibur and loyalty towards his country, the least thing Capello could have done was discussed this matter with him first. I'm really at a loss for words...
source: ESPN, DailyMail, Telegraph.co.uk