Beckham's career ended in interview

Published on Wednesday 11 August 2010 13:35

FABIO CAPELLO found himself having to defend another public relations gaffe after failing to inform former England captain David Beckham he had called time on his international career.

The Italian announced in a pre-recorded TV interview ahead of last night's clash with Hungary that he would no longer be picking the 35-year-old.

But it emerged after the 2-1 friendly win that Capello had not spoken with England's most-capped outfield player to notify him of his decision.

Beckham had become only a bit-part player before an Achilles problem ended his dreams of playing in a fourth World Cup finals, but not to make contact with the former Manchester United man before making the news public smacked of insensitivity at a time when the England coach is facing questions over his relationship with the squad.

Capello will allow Beckham to officially say goodbye to the England fans at a forthcoming friendly at Wembley, but he looks unlikely to feature in any more competitive games.

When asked whether he had informed the Los Angeles Galaxy player, Capello said: "No. Someone asked me about Beckham. I said we have to look for new players, young players.

"The new players can play on the right and left wing. When David will be okay, he can play here the last game at Wembley, one friendly to say goodbye and thank you very much to the crowd.

"I won't be picking him for any more competitive matches. I change it. We need new players. We need new players, for the future, with Fabio Capello and other managers.

"David is a fantastic player, was really important, but we have to monitor and see the new players for the future."

When pressed as to whether he phoned Beckham before the television interview, he replied: "No. I think I will speak with him. We tried to speak with him. I think David knows he has no future in the international team because we had to change."

Capello gave first caps to four players against Hungary although Jack Wilshere could only manage a late substitute's appearance after being detained in hospital suffering from stomach pains.

Capello said: "The new players played with big confidence. Kieran Gibbs did very well, Adam Johnson, Bobby Zamora, did very good, and I'm happy for Ashley Young."

"I think David knows he has no future in the national team because we had to change"

fabio capello