Shock England call for Mancienne but no Beckham

England manager Fabio Capello has given a surprise call-up to Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne for Wednesday's friendly in Germany and left out former captain David Beckham.

As well as Mancienne, who is on loan with Championship leaders Wolves, Capello also named Aston Villa pair Curtis Davies and Gabriel Agbonlahor in his squad.

Darren Bent was another player recalled. The striker, who has three caps, has been rejuvenated this season at Tottenham Hotspur, banging in 11 goals in all competitions.

Mancienne, who has performed well for England's under-21s but has never started a Premier League game, acknowledged the call-up had been unexpected.

"It's a great honour," the 20-year-old told reporters. "I was expecting to join up with the under-21s but this is obviously great news.

"It's a great game to be picked for and just to be in and around the squad will be superb."

Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Beckham is short of match practice following the end of the Major League Soccer season although he is due to join Milan in January.

"This is my system. If you are fit and you are playing, it's possible to be in the squad," Capello was quoted as saying.

"He played his last game three weeks ago. If he had played in the play-offs, it would have been OK."

The 33-year-old Beckham has 107 caps and needs two more to beat Bobby Moore's England record for an outfield player.

Regarding Bent, Capello told reporters: "We have followed him and he's scoring a lot of goals. He is a good player. He is fast, has good movement with the ball and finds space."

Manchester United duo Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand were not included after missing the 5-0 rout of Stoke City on Saturday through injury.

Steven Gerrard was also omitted from the squad. The Liverpool captain damaged a leg muscle during Saturday's 2-0 win over Bolton.

Michael Owen, who has notched 40 goals in 89 appearances for his country, scored for Newcastle United on Saturday but was again omitted by Capello. His last cap came against France in March.