Beckham out of McClaren's squad

David Beckham was left out of new England coach Steve McClaren's first squad yesterday, raising speculation that his international career is over.

Beckham, who quit as captain after England's quarter-final exit from the World Cup in July, did not feature in McClaren's list of 25 for next Wednesday's home friendly against Greece.

But the 31-year-old Real Madrid player swiftly signalled in a statement to Reuters that his passion to play for England remained "as strong as ever".

Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell and goalkeeper David James were also omitted from the squad while McClaren announced that ex-England coach Terry Venables would be his assistant.

West Ham striker Dean Ashton and Tottenham defender Michael Dawson were handed the chance to win their first caps and there were recalls for forwards Jermain Defoe and Marcus Bent, both surprisingly left out of the World Cup squad by former coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

"I spoke with David last Monday and notified him of my decision," McClaren told a news conference.

"I told him I was planning for the future, looking to change things and go in a different direction, and David wasn't included within that.

"I have great respect for David, he has been a fantastic captain for England, a great player and still is a great player."

McClaren said he liked speedy wingers on either flank and Beckham did not fit into that category.

Beckham limped off with an Achilles tendon injury during England's defeat by Portugal on July 1 and the following day announced that he was standing down as captain. In his statement yesterday, Beckham said: "Having spoken to Steve McClaren this week I can fully understand that a new manager should want to make his mark on the team and build towards the next World Cup.

"I'm proud to have played for England for 10 years and my passion for representing my country remains as strong as ever."

McClaren's association with Beckham goes back to the days when he was assistant to Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, but he did not let sentiment get in the way of his thinking as he made his first big decision as England coach.

It now opens the question of whether Beckham, who has 94 caps will reach a century of appearances, a feat managed by only four other England players. Beckham became the first England player to score in three World Cups when he netted the winner against Ecuador in June.

Goalkeepers: Robinson (Tottenham), Kirkland (Liverpool), Foster (Man. Utd).

Defenders: Bridge (Chelsea), Carragher (Liverpool), Brown (Man. Utd), Cole (Arsenal), Dawson (Tottenham), Ferdinand (Man. Utd), G. Neville (Man. Utd), P. Neville (Everton), Terry (Chelsea), Young (Charlton Athletic).

Midfielders: Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Downing (Middlesbrough), Gerrard (Liverpool), Jenas (Tottenham), Lampard (Chelsea), Lennon (Tottenham), Richardson (Man. Utd), Wright-Phillips (Chelsea).

Forwards: Ashton (West Ham), D. Bent (Charlton), Crouch (Liverpool), Defoe (Tottenham).