Dear Signor Capello,

Congratulations on your appointment to one of the most prestigious and exposed posts in England. On such occasions, it is traditional for The Times to offer the England football head coach advice as well as congratulations. Here it is. You are not obliged to take it.

On Saturday, when you announce your squad to play Switzerland a week today, pick David Beckham. You could make him captain for the first quarter of an hour before substituting him. Or, if that is too sentimental for you, bring him on from the bench to roars of applause for the last 20 minutes. Pick him. Play him, so that he can win his 100th international cap. Then sack him. (Sorry - then let him retire gracefully.)

Beckham is a good footballer and a nice man: è una bella figura. He was one of the best strikers of the stationary ball in the game. He has been keeping himself fit by training with Arsenal. He does good work with footballing charities, teaching the young how to shoot. He has done as much for masculine underpants as Jeremy Paxman. The match is at Wembley. Little Switzerland, our opponent, fall 30 places below England in the world rankings.

However and notwithstanding. Beckham is 32. He has not played top-class football since November. Los Angeles Galaxy, are sardines not sharks in the ocean of footy. In spite of the glow of mythology, the record of England with Beckham is not spectacular. There is no future in harping on our less than glorious past. We must look forward with hope to the future. So good luck! You are going to need it - but not David.