Reuters

100th cap eludes Beckham

Updated 23.17 Thu Jan 31 2008

Keywords: Fabio Capello, David Beckham

Fabio Capello has told David Beckham that he will not be part of his first England squad.

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.

Capello is thought to be concerned about the midfielder's match fitness

Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor and team-mate Curtis Davis - currently on loan from West Brom - are two suprise additions to the squad.

Other inclusions of interest are Villa winger Ashley Young, who made his England debut against Austria in November, and Blackburn's David Bentley, who profits from Beckham's absence.

Capello said: "I know there has been a lot of discussion about David Beckham. The reason that David is not in the squad is because he has not had any real match practice since playing in November.

"When I spoke with David on the phone yesterday I advised him that he is still part of my plans and once he is playing regularly in America we will look closely at him again."

Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson has also been dropped while Jermain Defoe and Andy Johnson have failed to make the squad.

Goalkeepers David James, Chris Kirkland and Scott Carson have all been picked for the squad.

Michael Owen retains his place as does Wigan striker Emile Heskey, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Wayne Rooney.

Capello has named 12 defenders and apart from the usual names West Ham's Matthew Upson, Portsmouth's Glen Johnson and Jonathan Woodgate, who has just signed for Tottenham, are all included.