Beckham Looks To Impress Capello, Again

Beckham, who is currently plying his trade in the MLS for Los Angeles Galaxy, has been training with Arsene Wenger’s men in an attempt to maintain his fitness levels as a result of the US-season ending in November.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder is desperate to earn his 100th cap for his country and has spoken of his appreciation for Wenger and his men who have allowed the 32-year old to train alongside The Gunners’ first-team squad.

Beckham’s last competitive appearance came in the club’s friendly match against the Wellington Hurricanes in early December, and the training is allowing him to get back in top shape.

"It's nice to be with a Premier League team that's so talented, and it's also 20 minutes from my house," he told Sky Sports News.

"It's nice to be back training. I've had five weeks of hardly doing anything, but now I'm back with their team and their players.

"The players have accepted me really well. I'm there to get my fitness for the MLS season but also to try and get fit for the England game.

"My fitness it good. It's a lot better than I thought it was. I did some running in the last week before I met up with the Arsenal team.

While Beckham acknowledges the importance of the fact that he is just one appearance away from joining legends such as Bobby Moore, Peter Shilton and Bobby Charlton in reaching the one-hundred cap mark, he was quick to play down any thoughts of sentimentality, and wishes to earn a place in the squad purely on merit.

"I feel great. I've had one day of training with the Arsenal team and two days with the fitness trainer," he said.

"Even it wasn't for the 100th cap for an England game I'd do the same. I want to get fit and be fit for Mr Capello's first team and first game.

"For me it's all about getting myself fit and making myself available."

It remains to be seen whether Beckham will be in the squad for England’s clash with Switzerland as they look to rebuild the side’s reputation following a dismal Euro 2008 qualifying campaign which eventually led to Capello’s predecessor Steve McClaren getting the sack, but Beckham’s commitment to the cause is unquestionable