Capello - Door open for Becks

England boss admits midfielder remains in international frame

Last updated: 25th April 2008

Capello - Door open for Becks

Capello: Still keen on Beckham

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England manager Fabio Capello admits the 'door is open' for David Beckham to feature in the 2010 World Cup.

Beckham has been the subject of widespread speculation as it is questioned whether the midfielder, who clocked up his 100th England cap against France in March, has a future on the international stage.

However, Capello has hinted that the Los Angeles Galaxy star - who would be 35 years old when the next World Cup kicks off in South Africa - is in his plans.

England begin their World Cup qualifying campaign in September against Andorra, but Capello - who managed Beckham at club level at Real Madrid - insists that the former Manchester United ace will have to take care of his fitness.

Take care

"The door is open. He played the last game, and did well against France. I see him play for Los Angeles Galaxy every now and then," Capello told Marca.

"It depends. There are players who are 33 or 34, who look after themselves very well.

"They understand that physically they aren't what they used to be and take more care. A lot depends on this."

However, Capello has refused to make predictions before the start of England's qualification campaign.

"I told the players after the France defeat that I was pleased and that I had seen a step forward. We have to take it step by step," Capello added.

"First we have to qualify (for 2010) and then we'll see what happens. I think I have a good team, although we need to work a little so that they all understand what I want."

Scotland friendly

Meanwhile, the Football Association have confirmed they are keen to agree a friendly meeting with Scotland, but confess it is unlikely to be before 2010.

"I don't envisage us playing Scotland over the next year but as (Scottish FA chief executive) Gordon Smith has said there is certainly a desire on our part to find a suitable date to arrange a fixture with Scotland in the future," said FA director of communications Adrian Bevington.

"However we won't be in a position to do so for quite some time. We were of course ready to host Scotland next month following previous positive conversations but unfortunately Scotland were unable to take up that fixture."