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LONDON - Former captain David Beckham was left out of Fabio Capello's first England squad today for next week's friendly against Switzerland at Wembley.
The LA Galaxy midfielder, who was hoping to win his 100th cap, has not played a competitive match since England's 3-2 defeat by Croatia in a Euro 2008 qualifier last November but had been training with Arsenal in a bid to maintain his fitness.
It is not a new experience for the 32-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder who was also left out of former England manager Steve McClaren's first squad before eventually being recalled.
Goalkeeper Paul Robinson, first choice until being dropped for the Croatia game, was also omitted from the squad after being relegated to the bench at Tottenham Hotspur.
Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor and defender Curtis Davies, on loan at Villa from West Bromwich Albion, have been given the chance to win their first caps after being named in a 30-man squad along with three others from the Midlands club.
Newcastle United striker Michael Owen is included, despite scoring just two league goals this season, as is Liverpool target man Peter Crouch who has netted just once in the league. Wayne Rooney and Emile Heskey are the other two strikers.
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe finds himself out in the cold while his team mate, winger Aaron Lennon, is in the under-21 squad. Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas is recalled, however, after
Capello, who will trim his selection to 23 on Saturday, said Beckham's exclusion did not mean the end of his hopes of reaching a century of caps.
"I know there has been a lot of discussion about David Beckham," Capello said on the FA's website.
"The reason that David is not in the squad is because he has not had any real match practice since playing in November.
"When I spoke with David on the phone yesterday I advised him that he is still part of my plans and once he is playing regularly in America we will look closely at him again."
With the likes of Chelsea duo Frank Lampard and John Terry unavailable because of injury, several players could have the chance to stake their claims.
Tottenham's new signing Jonathan Woodgate, who has just six caps, is included along with another central defender on the fringes of the England set-up, West Ham United's Matthew Upson.
"I have selected a squad of 30 players as I think it is important that all the players are equal from the beginning," Capello said.
"We will use the time between now and our first World Cup qualifying match in September to look at the players and find the best formula for the England team. I will also look at players who have not been included in the squad this time."
- REUTERS
