Milan change Beckham plans

Doubts raised over midfielder's inclusion in England squad

Last updated: 14th November 2008

David Beckham

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AC Milan have changed their plans to hold a news conference with David Beckham next Thursday.

Sky Sports News' chief news reporter Bryan Swanson understands Milan hoped Beckham would see the squad at their training ground before meeting the media at the San Siro.

The change in schedule raises doubts over Beckham's inclusion in Fabio Capello's England squad to face Germany next Wednesday night.

The friendly is being played in Berlin and is only a 90-minute flight from Milan.

Beckham will not have played a competitive game for three-and-a-half weeks following the end of Los Angeles Galaxy's Major League Soccer season.

Good for the group

England coach Capello, who will name his squad on Saturday night, suggested last month that Beckham's involvement in future squads would depend on his level of fitness.

"For the next game, it is possible, Beckham will play, I don't know," said Capello after the 3-1 win in Belarus. "For the game against Spain, if he is not playing, he will not be in the squad.

"But, when I decide the squad, it is not for the few minutes that David Beckham plays. He is good for the group. This is important. In fact, this is very important - his influence.

"He knows everything. He transmits confidence in the other players. This is very important for the group.

"Beckham might have played five minutes against Belarus but, for the next game, it is possible he might play all the game. I have to decide the best 11."