Beckham not in Capello's first England squad for friendly

Former captain David Beckham was left out of Fabio Capello's first England squad yesterday 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.

There were call ups for two uncapped players, Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor and defender Curtis Davies who is on loan at Villa from West Brom.

Goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who lost his place for England's 3-2 defeat by Croatia in November, failed to make the squad.

Capello said Beckham's exclusion did not mean the end of his international career.

Capello said: "The reason that David is not in the squad is because he has not had any real match practice since November. When I spoke with David on the phone I advised him that he is still part of my plans and once he is playing regularly we will look closely at him again."