Capello may name Becks as captain when he wins 100th cap against Switzerland

13 April 2012

New England coach Fabio Capello's first move could make David Beckham captain for the friendly against Switzerland at Wembley on 6 February - his first game in charge.

The Italian, whose appointment was approved by the FA last night, will be aware of the Beckham factor as he takes his first tentative steps as the nation's footballing messiah.

And with Becks on 99 caps, the Swiss game is an obvious opportunity for the 61-year-old to cement himself in the affections of England fans.

David Beckham, seen here celebrating after his goal against Greece in 2001, is set to win his 100th cap for England

Beckham's England career could possibly have ended with defeat against Croatia

Capello's move to England was less prominent than other Italian newspapers in Rome-based sports newspaper Corriere dello Sport.

But Corriere mentioned the player he once excluded from his Real Madrid team, David Beckham, who bounced back to help the Spanish team win the Primera Liga under Capello.

"Capello is already thinking about Beckham," the paper said. "David will be an important player for the new England."

Capello was sacked by Real Madrid in June despite winning the Primera Liga title because his tactics were seen as boring.

England fans, though, will not care too much about the style of play as long as it brings winning results.

"How can players with the quality of David Beckham and Michael Owen perform so differently when playing for their country? It is clear the shirt weighs heavy even for these winners," Capello wrote recently.

"In these situations the coach's role is fundamental and he needs to be more psychologist than tactician or technician. The obvious explanation is that there is a mental block."

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