David Beckham has flown back to the USA to begin pre-season training with Los Angeles Galaxy but remains determined to realise his dream of earning 100 England caps.
The former national team captain, 32, was the headline omission for Wednesday's Wembley friendly against Switzerland, with new manager Fabio Capello claiming he was not match fit.
It is understood Galaxy coach Ruud Gullit asked Beckham to return for pre-season training once it became known he was not going to be involved for England.
Beckham was desperately disappointed to miss out on a chance of winning his 100th cap for his country but has now returned to LA determined to do all he can to win his place back.
Speaking in Brazil before the England squad announcement, Beckham said: "I have always said I want to be available.
"That's what I did when Steve McClaren dropped me (in August 2006).
"Deep down, I did not think I would ever play for England again. So to be on 99 caps is great. It's more than I dreamt of. If I am not in the squad, I will carry on working hard and trying to get back in.
"I won't get bitter and twisted because I am old enough and I have got enough respect for the manager to realise that if it does not happen, life goes on.
"I have been lucky enough in my career to come back from tough times and disappointments. If it doesn't happen (winning a 100th cap), I will come back from it again, in my way. If it does, then great."
Beckham has not played a competitive game since England's November defeat to Croatia but trained with Arsenal last month in a bid to prove his fitness.
He also reiterated he had no intention of calling time on his international career, but admitted that attitude could change over time.
He said: "I don't want to retire yet and I don't plan on retiring from club or international football. But you never say never. Things might change that might make me feel maybe it is time.
"Some people might say that if I win 100 caps I should call it a day then and quit on my own terms but that decision can only come from me.
"I have always said that when I didn't feel I could play at the top level, I would retire. But I still feel I can play at that level."
Capello insists he has not closed the door on Beckham, who was informed of the decision in a telephone call from the manager on Wednesday night.
The Italian said: "I know there has been a lot of discussion about David Beckham. The reason that David is not in the squad is because he has not had any real match practice since playing in November.
"I advised him that he is still part of my plans and once he is playing regularly in America we will look closely at him again."
Source : www.sportinglife.com
