Capello: Becks in contention for 100th cap

FABIO CAPELLO has confirmed David Beckham is "in contention" to earn his 100th England cap against France this month and insists the former captain can be confident of achieving the landmark.

Beckham missed the recent friendly at home to Switzerland due to a lack of match fitness but hopes to play his first England game under Capello when they travel to Paris on March 26.

Capello, speaking to England fans yesterday, said: "Los Angeles Galaxy play in Dallas on March 14 and (assistant manager) Franco Baldini or I will go to see him and assess his fitness.

"He is in contention for France. We will check on him in Dallas and then we will decide whether he will be fit for that squad. He will get his 100th cap if he is fit and in form. I know Beckham very well from Real Madrid and I hope David will play the 100th game and get that cap.

"I understand that, at this moment, his fitness isn't good and I will phone him because I want to know exactly what he thinks about his fitness."