Fabio Capello has said the England door is not shut to David Beckham.
Following last month’s 3-1 friendly win over Hungary, England boss Capello famously said that he would no longer be calling on former national team captain Beckham for competitive internationals as he felt he was ‘too old’.
However, he was not so ruthless in Thursday’s press conference ahead of Friday’s Euro 2010 opener against Bulgaria, the Italian saying: “I said the door is open for all players, always. At the moment I chose the younger players. But the door is always open (for Beckham).”
Beckham is, of course, not in the squad to face Bulgaria in the qualification campaign opener at Wembley and plenty of other experienced faces are missing, including first choice centre-backs John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.
Phil Jagielka is expected to play alongside Matthew Upson and Capello hopes the unfamiliar pairing will get help from their team-mates.
“Whatever happens the two centre backs will be playing together for the first time," said the manager, who remains under pressure after the hugely disappointing World Cup campaign.
“I hope (Glen) Johnson and (Ashley) Cole will help them, as well as the two midfielders,” he added before saying of Wayne Rooney – who is expected to start up front on his own - “Wayne can move around where he decides to go.
“I monitored him last week (for Manchester United) against West Ham and he is back to his best. It is always important for a striker to score.
“He will play your way – his way.”
Meanwhile, Watford goalkeeper Scott Loach has been called into the England squad for the game after Scott Carson left the camp due to a family bereavement.