Capello - Becks in contention

[theblues08]

Fabio Capello has admitted that David Beckham could be handed his 100th England cap against France.

The former skipper is currently marooned one short of the landmark and was left out of the Italian's first squad for the recent friendly with Switzerland.

However, Capello has now revealed that he will check on the midfielder's fitness in the next few weeks and fully expects him to feature at the Stade de France.

Beckham did pick up a slight knock playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy in a recent friendly against a combined Shanghai-Hong Kong side, but the injury is not expected to keep him out for long.

"Los Angeles Galaxy play in Dallas on 14th March and (assistant manager) Franco Baldini or I will go to see him and assess his fitness," said the England boss.

"He is in contention for France. We will check on him in Dallas and then we will decide whether he will be fit for that squad.

"He will get his 100th cap if he is fit and in form.

"I know Beckham very well from Real Madrid and I hope David will play the 100th game and get that cap.

"I understand from reading his last interview that at this moment his fitness isn't good and I will phone him because I want to know exactly what he thinks about his fitness."

Source: SkySports

[GuitarCrazyo]

Capello puts faith in BecksEngland coach happy to recall midfielderFabio Capello admits he has received good reports on David Beckhams fitness after recalling the midfielder to the England squad.Beckham was omitted from Capellos first squad for last months friendly with Switzerland due to concerns over the midfielders sharpness.Capello left the door open for Beckham to be brought back into the fold and the Italians No.2 Franco Baldini watched the 32-year-old in an LA Galaxy friendly last week.The ex-Manchester United star could now win his 100th cap against France next Wednesday and Capello feels the former captain still has much to offer at international level."I always said that when David Beckham was fit he could be in the squad," said Capello."I have had good reports on him from Franco Baldini, who watched him on Saturday night, and also from his club."I know a lot about David Beckham and what he can offer the team."Excellent recommendationsMiddlesbroughs David Wheater and Arsenals Theo Walcott have been promoted from the Under 21s and Capello is keen to assess the youngsters.He added: "Theo Walcott and David Wheater are two good young players who have done very well for the Under 21s this season and when I have seen them play for their clubs."Stuart Pearce has given me excellent recommendations on both players. Next week Stuart has a friendly match, so it is a good opportunity for us to consider some of the younger players for the senior squad."Capello also made special mention of Michael Owen and Joe Cole in matches he has watched this week."I saw Michael Owen play for Newcastle on Monday at Birmingham," he continued. "I felt he looked sharp, very alive and it was good to see him scoring."I should also mention Joe Cole who I thought was excellent last night for Chelsea in a very exciting game. He had a massive impact."