LONDON – England manager Fabio Capello has effectively signalled the end of former captain David Beckham’s international career and will hand him a farewell appearance in a friendly at Wembley Stadium later this year. Ahead of Wednesday night’s 2-1 friendly win over Hungary at Wembley, Capello told ITV Sport the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder, England’s most capped outfield player with 115 appearances, was “probably a bit too old” to play for England again at the age of 35. “Thank you, David,” added Capello, who used the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player as part of his backroom staff at the recent World Cup in South Africa.
Capello told a news conference after the match that he had a very good relationship with Beckham, but had not actually told him directly of his decision. “No, I have not told him, but I will,” he told reporters. “We have to look for new young players. This evening you saw new players who can play on the right and left wings. “So I hope David will be OK to come and play his last game here at Wembley in the next friendly game to come and wave bye-bye to the crowd.” That game is expected to be announced as a friendly against France in November.Asked if he would consider Beckham for England’s upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers which start next month, Capello replied: “No, no. We have to change it.
“David is a fantastic player, he has been really important but we need new players for the future.” Beckham made his international debut in September 1996 and is England’s second most capped player, behind goalkeeper Peter Shilton who played in 125 matches. Beckham scored 17 goals.
(Reuters)
