Record chasing Beckham in squad on merit, says Capello

FABIO CAPELLO insists David Beckham is in the England squad on merit, not out of sympathy for the former Three Lions skipper.

Beckham will earn a place in the history books if he plays some part in tonight’s friendly with Spain in Seville. The appearance would allow him to pick up his 108th cap and equal Bobby Moore’s record for an outfield player.

The accolade has irritated some of Beckham’s fiercest critics, who feel the 33-year-old is not fit to lace Moore’s boots.