A friendly against Switzerland next week could have been David Beckham's opportunity to join the exclusive club of football players with 100 caps, but instead of such glory, the former England captain hasn't even made the squad.

Fabio Capello, leaving the FA's headquarters this afternoon, his smiling demeanor probably a stark contrast from David Beckham's, "Fabio, why did you leave David out of the squad?"

The Italian who is still taking English lessons didn't speak to answer, but he does give his reasons on the FA's website. "The reason that David is not in the squad is because he's not had any real match practice since playing in November, when I spoke with David on the phone yesterday, I advised him that he is still part of my plans, and once he is playing regularly in America, we will look at him closely again. "

Beckham's LA Galaxy season ended last October, and he hasn't played a competitive match since England were defeated by Croatia, he has been training with Arsenal though, and said last week that he's fit, sharp and ready to be selected. He said it before while collecting a sport industry award last March. "Not being in the team is very very difficult, but I've always said and I'll always say while I'm still playing, I'm always available for the country."

It's not the first time Capello's left Beckham out, it happened when they were at Real Madrid, too. His decision leaves the 32-year-old still coveting his 100th cap, but if the cap doesn't fit, Beckham has plenty of other hats to wear at the moment. As UNICEF ambassador, he was highlighting child mortality in Sierra Leone last week. And this week he's been in Brazil, opening his new academy. And even if he is not playing against Switzerland at Wembley, at least there will be more time for keep-it-happy on the beach.