Beckham not bitter over England axe

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The former national team captain, 32, was the headline omission for Wednesday's Wembley friendly against Switzerland, with Capello claiming he was not match fit.

Speaking in Brazil before the England squad announcement, Beckham said: "I have always said I want to be available. That's what I did when Steve McClaren dropped me (in August 2006)."

He added: "Deep down, I did not think I would ever play for England again. So to be on 99 caps is great. It's more than I dreamt of. If I am not in the squad, I will carry on working hard and trying to get back in.

"I won't get bitter and twisted because I am old enough and I have got enough respect for the manager to realise that if it does not happen, life goes on.

"I have been lucky enough in my career to come back from tough times and disappointments. If it doesn't happen (winning a 100th cap), I will come back from it again, in my way. If it does, then great."

Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Beckham has not played a competitive game since England's November defeat to Croatia but trained with Arsenal last month in a bid to prove his fitness.

Beckham also reiterated he had no intention of calling time on his international career, but admitted that attitude could change over time.

He said: "I don't want to retire yet and I don't plan on retiring from club or international football. But you never say never. Things might change that might make me feel maybe it is time.

"Some people might say that if I win 100 caps I should call it a day then and quit on my own terms but that decision can only come from me. I have always said that when I didn't feel I could play at the top level, I would retire. But I still feel I can play at that level."