Big day for Becks

Fabio Capello omitted the 99-cap midfielder from his first squad but has been strongly considering choosing him for the game with France in Paris next week.

Capello will name his provisional squad before lunch and both Beckham and Theo Walcott have been tipped for inclusion.

Beckham has declared his fitness after coming through several pre-season friendlies with Los Angeles Galaxy, and Capello sent out his number two Franco Baldini to assess the 32-year-old midfielder last week.

But Beckham only wants to win his 100th cap if he is in the side "on his merits", according to LA Galaxy general manager and president Alexi Lalas.

The former USA defender told Sky Sports News: "He wants to contribute. If you're going to come in and play against a team like France, you need all guns blazing so he wants to be called in on his merits."

Meanwhile, Walcott's recent displays for Arsenal have caught Capello's eye and it may be no coincidence that the Gunners star, who has just turned 19, was one of those "rested" from the England Under-21 squad.

Chelsea pair Frank Lampard and John Terry are certain to return to the England squad of 30, and there are spaces to fill among the defenders with Curtis Davies, Matthew Upson and Micah Richards - named in Capello's first squad in January - all missing due to injuries.

If Lampard and Beckham are to come in, then Stewart Downing and Michael Carrick could find their places in jeopardy, with Walcott possibly replacing Emile Heskey in attack.

Peter Crouch cannot be sitting comfortably either given that the Liverpool striker has played so few minutes for Liverpool recently.