Football betting: Beckham to miss out on 100 caps?

New England coach Fabio Capello showed his stern side when naming his first squad as he left out former captain David Beckham and the LA Galaxy midfielder is now 6/5 with William Hill to win his 100th international cap before the end of 2008. And bet365 have reacted to his omission from the squad by offering 11/10 that Goldenballs plays for England again, despite Capello's insistence that Beckham may still feature for England, while VC Bet quote 6/4 about him not bringing up the century. "Capello may say that David still figures in his plans, but it will become increasingly difficult for him to get back in should the side do well without him," said William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe. And Hills now offer 11/2 that Beckham will officially announce his retirement from all competitive football before the end of 2008. Bet365 spokesman Steve Freeth fears the worst for Beckham: "Every man and his dog thought Beckham was a shoo-in for a run out against the Swiss, but Capello has thrown sentiment out of the window by dropping him from the squad. "The new manager has put it down to a lack of match sharpness, but we fancy this could finally be the end for Becks, 99 caps or not." That scenario worries VC Bet who go 6/4 about him being stranded on 99 caps. The firm originally offered Beckham at 12/1 to be denied his 100th cap and according to spokesman Neal Wilkins they are slightly nervous about him reaching that milestone. "We decided to make a statement of intent with Beckham because we felt certain he would get to the 100th cap milestone," explained Wilkins. "A lot of our clients disagreed with us and snapped up the 12/1 on offer that he wouldn't make it. Needless to say we have a huge liability on the outcome. This could be very painful." It is understood that Capello told Beckham he wanted his players to be match-fit, and that naming him in his squad to face Switzerland next week would be unfair on those who have been playing in matches week-in, week-out. But Capello added that Beckham was still part of his plans and that there was no reason why he will not pick him again as long as he is fit enough and playing well in the American league.