Capello: Beckham caps awarded on merit

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Beckham, who will be on loan at AC Milan next month, is one appearance away from matching Bobby Moore's 108, the most by an outfield player.

"I will watch him. If he plays for Milan, it's possible," Capello said. "If he doesn't play then he will not be in the squad. It's the same for all the players. I will decide after talking to the coaches, not on sympathy."

Meanwhile, Capello has sent a message to Premier League clubs that he wants as much time as possible to prepare for the 2010 World Cup finals.

The Italian is thought to prefer an earlier start to the next domestic season so he can spend time with the squad before the tournament in South Africa.

He considers the extended period he spent with his players last summer as a key factor in England's four wins from as many qualifiers - and believes the time before the finals themselves will be vital.

"I think it is very important because I can work with the players and practice a lot," he said.

"After training I can check everything and then I can speak with the players. When we stayed together for 10 days it was very, very important for us. After we have qualified we can speak about this more though."

Capello was reflecting on his first year as England boss, and looking to the future, he hinted at James Milner being the next Aston Villa youngster he wants to look at.

"He was very, very interesting when we saw him play for the Under-21s at Southampton (against Republic of Ireland)," Capello added. "He scored two goals in that game."