Beckham in frame to lead out England against Trinidad & Tobago

Manager Fabio Capello will use the friendly as a final audition for the full-time role of skipper. And with Gareth Barry believed to have been ruled out of the running by the Italian, Beckham yesterday jumped to the top of the queue for the final England game of the season.

England's David Beckham pours water over his face to cool down during a training session in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

Capello will name his permanent captain before the friendly against the Czech Republic on August 20. Although he has yet to make a final decision for the Trinidad game, his options are limited because players involved in the Champions League Final are being rested.

Steven Gerrard was handed the armband for Capello's first game, against Switzerland, and Rio Ferdinand was the captain against France. John Terry led the team against the U.S.A. on Wednesday.

David James is the only other senior player in the England squad who has not captained his country. Returning the job to Beckham would certainly meet with approval from the Football Association as they attempt to charm CONCACAF chief Jack Warner into backing England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

Before winning his 100th cap against France in March, Beckham revealed he would be "honoured" to captain his country again. The midfielder leads club side LA Galaxy, and is still playing well enough to merit a place in the England team, but he is unlikely to be given the job for World Cup qualifying.

Beckham quit the role when England were beaten in the 2006 World Cup quarter-finals by Portugal. Meanwhile, Gerrard last night urged Barry to quit Aston Villa and pursue his Champions League dream at Liverpool. Gerrard, who is expected to partner his England colleague in the centre of midfield against Trinidad & Tobago, claims Barry will be unfulfilled if he stays in the Midlands.

The Anfield captain said: "He has been a fantastic servant with Villa but sometimes opportunities come along where you can better your career. He is 27 and he needs to play Champions League football."

Liverpool have made contact with Villa boss Martin O'Neill, but the clubs have yet to agree a fee for the classy Barry. Gerrard added: "I know all about Gareth because I'm friends with him and I'm desperate for us to sign him. He's a good player who would help Liverpool become a better team.

"Every time I read a newspaper, Chelsea, Manchester United or Arsenal are linked with different players. I hope Liverpool strengthen so that we can push them for the title because we're a bit off at the moment."

Barry forced his way into the England set-up under Steve McClaren, but he has already made an impact under Capello. His first touch at Wembley last Wednesday, after coming on as a substitute against the U.S.A., set Gerrard free to score England's second goal.

Barry had been expected to be named captain for the friendly here tomorrow, but Gerrard added: "The manager wants to look at different candidates. He's looking not just at the captains, but all the players. "All his staff are keeping an eye on us, looking at our strengths and weaknesses.

"The captaincy is a big thing but I focus on the games, keep trying to impress the manager and if the captaincy comes along then great."

Gerrard played on the left against the U.S.A. but he can expect to be restored to his favourite position for England's final friendly of the season.

Capello has just two games to refine his system - against Trinidad & Tobago, then the Czech Republic in August - before the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign begins. Gerrard said: "Everyone knows my favourite role, but you can't afford to spit your dummy out if you're not playing in your favourite position.

"You have to adapt and be a team player. This manager will be ruthless if we don't meet his standards. If you don't play how he wants, or to his system, then it's goodbye."

Capello is likely to give Dean Ashton a long-awaited England debut tomorrow with the absence of Wayne Rooney creating the opportunity. The West Ham striker said: "I find it hard when people say there is not much talent behind Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen, because I think there is.

"There's a space for a huge striker like me, Emile Heskey or Peter Crouch. It is vital there are players like us and I'm good enough to step up and be successful at this level. I don't want to be a foil for anyone, I want to be a main focal point of the team."