Beckham in line for 100th cap after England squad recall
Thursday, 20 Mar 2008 22:42
David Beckham set for 100th cap
David Beckham is almost certain to win his 100th England cap in Paris next week after being recalled to Fabio Capello's squad to play France.
The former Three Lions skipper was a notable omission from the Italian's first squad as England manager in January, with Capello saying Beckham was not fit enough to play.
That decision left the 32-year-old stranded on 99 caps, but Capello, who managed Beckham at Real Madrid, insisted the door was not closed on the LA Galaxy midfielder.
Coming in alongside Beckham in the provisional 30-man squad is
Middlesbrough defender David Wheater and
Arsenal striker Theo Walcott.
Jermain Defoe's six goals in six games for
Portsmouth since his January transfer from
Tottenham Hotspur has also won him a call-up, while Gabriel Agbonlahor is given another chance to impress at senior level after withdrawing from the Switzerland friendly – Capello's first game in charge.
But there is no place for either Paul Robinson of Spurs or West Ham's Robert Green, with David James, Scott Carson or Chris Kirkland to be given the goalkeeper's jersey.
Capello is set to trim the squad to 23 after this weekend's round of Premier League matches ahead of Wednesday's friendly at the Stade de France.
He is also yet to decide on a full-time captain, with Steven Gerrard or Rio Ferdinand expected to replace
Chelsea's John Terry as England skipper.
England squad to play FranceGoalkeepers: David James (Portsmouth), Scott Carson (
Aston Villa), Chris Kirkland (
Wigan Athletic).
Defenders: Wayne Bridge, Ashley Cole (both Chelsea), David Wheater (Middlesbrough), Rio Ferdinand (
Manchester United), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), John Terry (Chelsea), Wes Brown (Manchester United), Joleon Lescott (
Everton), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Matthew Upson (
West Ham United), Jonathan Woodgate (Tottenham Hotspur).
Midfielders: Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (
Liverpool), David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham Hotspur), Owen Hargreaves (Manchester United), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Ashley Young (Aston Villa), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), David Bentley (
Blackburn Rovers).
Forwards: Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Michael Owen (
Newcastle United), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Portsmouth).