Capello set to include Beckham if fit

LONDON, England -- Fabio Capello has signaled that a fit David Beckham will be very much part of his plans after omitting the midfielder from the 2-1 victory over Switzerland in his first match in charge.

The 32-year-old has now returned to pre-season training with Los Angeles Galaxy but the Major League Soccer season does not kick off until March 29, three days after England's prestige friendly against France in Paris.

But Capello is indicating that if he plays in warm-up matches that may be enough to win a recall for his 100th cap.

"Surely he will have played friendly matches and those will be important. If he is fit and ready to play then he will be part of my team," said the Italian who showed his irritation with the attention the issue has received.

"It seems that the most important thing is whether I choose David Beckham. I think we should focus on England," he added.

In Beckham's absence, both David Bentley and second half substitute Shan Wright-Phillips, who scored the winner against the Swiss, both impressed, leading to speculation that he would be permanently sidelined.

But Capello says that he was most impressed by Bentley's play in a more central role, which again would pave the way for a Beckham return on the right.

"I had seen Bentley play on the right and I wanted to see him in the middle. I want to be clear where players perform best.

"I believe Bentley did very well but in the second half he was particularly good."

Meanwhile, Capello said he wanted the England team to develop the same sort of "fighting" attitude as Wayne Rooney.

Capello said: "I have watched three or four of Manchester United's matches recently and he was always like that. "This is the spirit I want the team to pick up from him - always fighting and having this sort of spirit is something I want him to transmit to the rest of the team. This attitude is very important."

But in a message to more established players, like Michael Owen who was left out of the Swiss match, Capello is determined to pick on merit not reputation.

"Some players are particularly valuable for the team but I will try to field the best team we have to do the job. There are no guaranteed places.

"I know Owen very well. I have seen him play many times and there is always room for important players.

"I have five friendlies before the qualifying campaign starts and by then I need to know who I want to play," he said. E-mail to a friend