Beckham in England fitness battle

David Beckham concedes he faces an uphill battle to win a coveted 100th England cap against France on 26 March. England boss Fabio Capello did not pick Beckham, 32, for this month’s win over Switzerland and he fears a lack of fitness could see him sidelined again.

“I’ve no match fitness,” said Beckham, who plays for LA Galaxy in Korea on Saturday. “All I’ve done is training.

“I would love to reach the 100 caps, but I have to be physically ready to be part of the team.”

The former England captain played under Capello at Real Madrid and, though the Italian says Beckham is still part of his plans, the midfielder accepts his selection policy.

“I’ve played for Capello before, and he’s a great manager,” Beckham said.

“He is a manager that will pick players that are fit enough. I understand he selected others who played more games.”

Beckham left out of England squad

David Beckham has been left out of Fabio Capello’s first England squad to play Switzerland on 6 February. It means Beckham will be left still searching for his 100th cap, although Capello has not fully closed the door on the 32-year-old former captain.

Capello, who also dropped Beckham at Real Madrid, is thought to have had doubts over his match fitness.

The Italian will name his provisional party at 1530 GMT on Thursday, with the final squad announced on Saturday.

Beckham has not played a competitive game since England’s Euro qualifying defeat by Croatia on 21 November.

However, Beckham has been training at Arsenal and told BBC World in Brazil on Tuesday that he “is as fit as I can be. I’m fit and sharp and I’m ready to be selected”.

Benayoun urged to rescue England

Liverpool duo Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard have told team-mate Yossi Benayoun to restore England’s hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008. England need Benayoun to help Israel to beat or draw with Russia on 17 November to stand a realistic chance of reaching the finals in Austria and Switzerland.

“Me and Stevie have been getting into him,” Crouch told his club’s website.

“We’re trying to keep him fresh for the Israel game. Hopefully he will do us a job against Russia.”

Beckham returns to England squad

David Beckham has been recalled to England’s squad for the friendly in Austria and the final Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia. If Russia beat Israel and Andorra - and Croatia avoid defeat in Macedonia on 17 November - England cannot qualify even if they beat Croatia four days later.

Beckham has recovered from injury and England coach Steve McClaren said: “We need big-game players like David.”

Captain John Terry and striker Wayne Rooney are both out with injuries.

Rooney dropped out of the squad after picking up an ankle injury while training with Manchester United on Friday.

Czech Republic 1-0 Rep of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland’s chances of qualifying of Euro 2008 look to be over after they lost against the Czech Republic despite a battling display. Marek Jankulovski fired the dominant Czechs ahead in the 15th minute.

Stephen Hunt’s introduction rallied the Irish and Kevin Doyle struck the Czech woodwork before half-time.

Hunt’s harsh sending off was a huge blow for the Irish although Paul McShane went close and Radoslav Kovac was inches away from a late own goal.

Slovakia 2-5 Wales

Craig Bellamy scored a brace and forced an own goal as Wales confounded their critics with a fine win away in Trnava. Marek Mintal gave Slovakia an early lead, controlling and firing home in one swift movement, but Freddy Eastwood equalised from Joe Ledley’s cross.

Then Bellamy scored twice in quick succession, each time racing clear from through balls by Eastwood and Ledley.

England 3-0 Russia

A Michael Owen brace helped a vibrant England to a vital win over their main Euro 2008 qualifying rivals Russia. Owen was composure epitomised as Gareth Barry’s cross fell to him 10 yards out and he sidefooted a strike in off the post to give England an early lead.

Russia’s Konstantin Zhyrianov had a goal harshly ruled out for handball before a lethal Owen powered in a shot.

England weathered a spell of pressure from Russia before Rio Ferdinand angled in a shot to complete the win.

England’s performance had Wembley rocking at the end of a game which began with tensions high as Russia led Steve McClaren’s side by a point in Group E.

Abramovich Euro cash story denied

Chelsea have dismissed reports that owner Roman Abramovich has offered Russia’s players a financial incentive to beat England at Wembley. The two nations meet in a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday.

And reports claimed the Russian players would receive £40,000 if they were to defeat Steve McClaren’s men.

But a Chelsea statement said: “Roman Abramovich has never offered, proposed or promised any bonuses to the Russian team to beat England.”

The billionaire Chelsea owner has close links with football back in his homeland and is reported to bankroll the salary of coach Guus Hiddink.

Euro 2008 qualifiers preview

A look ahead to Wednesday’s crucial Euro 2008 qualifying matches involving Barclays Premier League players.

England impressed in their 3-0 win over Israel on Saturday but face an altogether sterner challenge against Guus Hiddink’s Russia at Wembley. The Dutchman has claimed that all the pressure is on Steve McClaren’s men. And not without reason. England trail Russia by a point and must still travel to Moscow next month knowing that they also face a home match against group leaders Croatia. The likes of Emile Heskey, Michael Owen, Shaun-Wright Phillips and Joe Cole all caught the eye against Israel and there are reports that McClaren may opt for an unchanged team on Wednesday evening. Russia have conceded just one goal in eight games and are unbeaten.

Russia wary over England threat

Russia coach Guus Hiddink says he has been impressed by England’s recent form as he prepares his side to play them in a key Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday. England comprehensively beat Israel 3-0 on Saturday to move third behind Russia - who beat Macedonia 3-0 - and group leaders Croatia in the Group E table.

“They clearly dominated,” Hiddink told Radio 5live’s Sportsweek.

“England did a very good job against Israel, who I know have potential if you let them play.”

England won the game without key players in the form of the injured Wayne Rooney, Owen Hargreaves and Frank Lampard as well as the suspended Peter Crouch.

Emile Heskey came in to partner Michael Owen in attack while Gareth Barry played alongside Steven Gerrard in midfield.