LONDON - Fabio Capello has said he is pleased David
Beckham will stay at AC Milan until the end of the season but that
the move would not guarantee his England place.
Beckham will play for both Milan in Serie A and Los Angeles
Galaxy in the MLS which means that the midfielder, who will be 34
in May, will be playing without a break for up to 15 months before
next year's World Cup in South Africa.
Capello was quoted in British newspapers on Sunday as saying
only form, not age, would determine whether Beckham would be picked
for future England squads.
Capello told the Sunday Mirror: "I have watched the
last few games that David has played for AC Milan and I am very
happy with his performances. He's played very well.
"When I look at it, player age does not come into it. I'm
looking for the best players. Italy still pick Fabio Cannavaro and
he is 35 years old. I'm looking at other things."
However, Capello is concerned that the standard of soccer in the
MLS is not as high as the European leagues.
"Beckham made a personal decision," said the Italian. "The
standard in America is different. In this moment it is important
for him to play in Europe -- not only Milan but Europe."
Capello added: "American football is not at the same level as
Italy, Spain, Germany and England, thats for sure."
Former England captain Beckham will return to Los Angeles in
mid-July and play in Galaxy's season until the end of their
campaign in November.
Although expected to be in Capello's squad for the upcoming
matches against Slovakia and Ukraine, the Galaxy have said they
will not release Beckham for friendlies against the Netherlands on
August 12 and Slovenia on September 5.