Wenger: Becks will return
01 Feb 2008 - 13:00:52
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes David Beckham will eventually win his 100th international cap despite being left out of Fabio Capello's first England squad.
The former England captain was omitted from the Italian's provisional 30-man squad for next Wednesday's friendly with Switzerland at Wembley despite needing just one more cap to reach his century.
But Wenger, who has seen Beckham at close quarters in recent weeks while the LA Galaxy midfielder has been training with the Gunners, does not think his international career is now over.
"I believe the English national team still needs Beckham because he can still make decisions and his experience will be needed in the big games and that is why I am sure he will get his 100th cap," he told Arsenal TV Online.
"First of all Capello picks on the performances - that is what I rate and what I pick is right.
"I believe that what is in Beckham's mind is that I would like to get the 100th cap on performance and on merit not on sentiment.
"Having worked with Beckham here I must say one thing. He has worked extremely hard, that this guy will not give up and will continue to fight.
"The second thing I believe as well is that it would be unfair to Beckham to give Beckham the 100th cap just because you have done well, let's give you one.
"This guy deserves a lot of credit, every day he was first out, last in and give him competitive games with LA Galaxy and he will fight for his 100th cap."
