I can still be a key man for Capello, insists Beckham

Beckham won his 101st cap against the U.S. on Wednesday and is in the squad for Sunday’s friendly against Trinidad & Tobago.

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After the emotions of his England century and a game against the country where he now earns his living, eyes turned to the 33-year-old for signs that he may retire gracefully from international football.

But no. He set up John Terry’s opener in the 2-0 win against America with a typical free-kick before making way for David Bentley at half-time and accepts his talents may be used more sparingly in the future.

"Whether I start the game or come on, there’s always a chance that, if there’s a set-piece, I’ll put it in the right place for someone to score," he said.

"I want to carry on playing for my country. The manager has said if I stay fit and I am performing, then I’ve got a chance to be in the squad."

After a disappointing first few months at LA Galaxy, Beckham has impressed in the new MLS season, helped by an attention-grabbing 70 yarder against Kansas City Wizards last weekend.

"I’ve heard there have been five million hits on YouTube," smiled Beckham, discussing a strike which triggered memories of his goal for Manchester United against Wimbledon 12 years ago.

"The Wimbledon goal was better because I was just coming into the Manchester United team. It was more pressurised. And there was a goalkeeper in the net!"

After their time together at Real Madrid, Capello knows Beckham’s strengths, including his determined streak and the fact that he will set an example around the camp.

"Becks is an asset to have around and not just on the pitch," said Owen Hargreaves.

Beckham knows all about recovering from adversity and when John Terry — who missed the crucial penalty in the Champions League Final — headed the Wembley opener, he made a point of running to Beckham to share a hug.

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"You can see the hurt in him and it will be there for a while," said Beckham, who missed a penalty for England against Portugal in the quarter-final of Euro 2004. "But JT is one of the strongest characters I’ve come across in football and he will get over it.

"You could see the emotion going through him, and in his eyes, once he had scored that goal. Once he was celebrating, there was a slight sort of relief there as well for him."

Terry let out a roar of celebration, triggering memories of Stuart Pearce scoring his penalty against Spain in Euro 96, a moment which exorcised the demons of his miss in the World Cup semi-final six years earlier.

"You saw that passion in Stuart Pearce’s face and I think you saw it in JT’s face," said Beckham.

Terry is among the players excused the trip to the Caribbean and Gareth Barry is being tipped to lead the team in Port of Spain.

Barry said: "It’s everyone’s dream to captain their country but nothing has been mentioned yet so I’ll take it with a pinch of salt."

Barry’s personal future remains unclear. "Once the England games are finished, I’ll think about that," he said.

England squad for game against Trinidad & Tobago on Sunday: James (Portsmouth), Hart (Manchester City), Lewis (Peterborough); Bridge (Chelsea), Ferdinand (Manchester United), Jagielka (Everton), Johnson (Portsmouth), Warnock (Blackburn), Wheater (Middlesbrough), Woodgate (Tottenham), Barry (Aston Villa), Beckham (LA Galaxy), Bentley (Blackburn), Downing (Middlesbrough), Gerrard (Liverpool), Huddlestone (Tottenham), Walcott (Arsenal), Young, Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Ashton (West Ham), Crouch (Liverpool), Defoe (Portsmouth).