Arrivederci as ruthless Capello axes Beckham from first England squad

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Capello has not dismissed the possibility of recalling the former England captain when the new MLS season has started and he is once again playing for Los Angeles Galaxy. And Beckham, 32, has ruled out international retirement.

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Back in the cold: Beckham in his last game against Croatia in November

But the midfielder was omitted from the 30-man party for Wednesday's friendly against Switzerland and on Thursday night he pulled out of a charity function in London and flew back to California. While representatives said he did so on the order of Galaxy coach Ruud Gullit, word was that he was keen to escape the media attention.

Capello said: 'The reason that David is not in the squad is because he has not had any real match practice since playing in November. When I spoke with David on the phone yesterday I advised him that he is still part of my plans and once he is playing regularly in America we will look closely at him again.'

Aston Villa's Curtis Davies and Gabriel Agbonlahor are the two new faces in the squad, while David Bentley is the leading contender to take Beckham's place on the right.

Davies said: 'When I got the news I thought it was a wind-up!' Agbonlahor said: 'It's brilliant to make the step up. It's a tremendous honour.'

Capello, who will reduce the squad to 23 on Saturday night, said: 'I have selected a squad of 30 as there are a lot of games before we join up and it is better that we are prepared for any injuries. This way we are not expecting to call up late replacements.

'We will use the time between now and our first World Cup qualifying match in September to look at the players and find the best formula. I will also look at players who have not been included in the squad this time.

'I have worked very closely with Stuart Pearce on squad selection and there are some players like Joe Hart, Aaron Lennon, Theo Walcott and David Wheater who are with the Under 21s this time because they have a very important qualification game against Ireland on Tuesday.'