Capello gives Becks hope
06 Mar 2008 - 08:33:46
England coach Fabio Capello insists he could hand David Beckham his 100th cap in the friendly international against France later this month if the LA Galaxy star is fit and in form.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder has won 99 caps but was not included in Capello's squad for the friendly win against Switzerland in February because of a lack of match fitness.
But the Italian said: "There is a strong possibility that he will be selected.
"We must regain a winning mentality, there are some players who are short on confidence when playing for the national team.
"The winning mentality is very, very important - if you play with fear it is impossible to win."
Capello is still to decide who will be his captain in the long-term, after handing the armband to Steven Gerrard for the Switzerland game in the absence of the injured John Terry.
He added: "It is very important to choose someone for the World Cup qualifiers, which start in September.
"But I have to know the man, not only the player. It must be not only a big player but a symbol - a good player, a good man, who represents the England team in every situation."
Beckham picked up a minor thigh injury in LA's 3-0 friendly victory over Shanghai-Hong Kong United earlier this week.