David Beckham has been denied his 100th cap for England after being left out of Fabio Capello's first England squad for Wednesday's friendly against Switzerland.

Beckham has still to wait for the milestone chance although new manager Capello insisted that the door was still open to the 32-year-old former England captain.

Keeper Paul Robinson was also dropped off the 30-man squad while Aston Villa's winger Gabriel Agbonlahor and defender Curtis Davies won their first call-ups to a senior England set-up.

Michael Owen is included despite speculation his lack of form might cost him a place, while Heskey, Liverpool's Peter Crouch and Manchester United's Wayne Rooney complete the strikers.

Capello harbored reservations about Beckham's match fitness as the midfielder has not played a competitive game since England's Euro qualifying defeat by Croatia on November 21.

"The reason that David is not in the squad is because he has not had any real match practice since playing in November," Capello said.

"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."

The Italian will name his final 23-man squad on Saturday and also have to make a decision on the issue of who will be captain.

Rio Ferdinand, endorsed by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard will lead the running. Chelsea center-back John Terry, leader of choice under Steve McClaren, is out of the squad because of injury.

Beckham had been training with Arsenal recently to maintain his fitness, and said on Tuesday that he "is as fit as I can be. I'm ready to be selected".

(Xinhua News Agency February 1, 2008)