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Beckham Dropped from Squad
David Beckham is not expected to be in Steve McClaren’s first squad as England coach for the friendly against Greece next week.
McClaren, who will reveal his selection at around 3pm, yesterday chose John Terry to succeed Beckham as the country’s captain.
Beckham stepped down from the role after a disappointing World Cup, which he finished on the sidelines, watching the final moments of the quarter-final defeat to Portugal.
He has since recovered from the Achilles tendon injury that forced him out of that game and has appeared for Real Madrid on their tour of America.
However, he faced considerable criticism for his performances in Germany and the emergence of Aaron Lennon had many calling for him to be dropped.
Sven-Goran Eriksson stuck by his captain but with the Swede gone, the special relationship between captain and coach has also disappeared and Beckham could find himself a victim of McClaren’s desire to close the book on Eriksson’s reign.
It is unlikely McClaren will be brutal about removing Beckham, but may want the midfielder to prove his fitness and form before he returns to the squad.
He could use the opportunity to try Lennon in the right-sided role, while Tottenham team-mate Jermain Defoe also expecting a recall. West Ham striker Dean Ashton is another tipped for a place with Theo Walcott selected for the Under-21s.
Beckham has publicly stated his desire to reach the 100-cap milestone for his country, but the final six may be the most difficult to earn.
Source : http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2006/08/11/ufnbec11.xml