Sven-Göran Eriksson last night led the calls for David Beckham to be given his 100th England cap. At a tribute dinner to recognise the midfield player’s contribution to the game, the former England head coach called on Fabio Capello, the new national manager, to grant Beckham his century in next month’s friendly against Switzerland at Wembley.

Beckham has made 99 appearances for England, but Eriksson, the Manchester City manager, said that he would phone Capello personally if the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player was not included in the Italian’s first squad and, in front of Brian Barwick, the FA chief executive, insisted that hundreds of guests toast Beckham and his hundredth cap. “He deserves it,” Eriksson said.

The Swede’s support for Beckham would appear to heap more expectation on Capello, who began work this weekend by attending two FA Cup matches, to include the player in his first starting XI. For his part, Beckham is doing his best to claim a place by training with Arsenal during the Major League Soccer close season.

His move to the LA Galaxy in the United States raises significant questions about his long-term ability to play for his country and although Capello is expected to include Beckham next month and make him only the fifth Englishman to reach 100 caps, it remains to be seen whether there is a place for the midfield player in the 2010 World Cup qualification campaign, which begins in September.

Pushed on the issue at his unveiling before Christmas, Capello paid tribute to Beckham’s ability to “get what he wants”, but the Italian had previously proved his ruthless streak by banishing Beckham from the first-team squad at Real Madrid, albeit on the orders of the club.

At the Football Writers’ Association dinner in London last night, Beckham reiterated that he would not be retiring from the national team although he was not making any assumptions about the future. “I have played 99 times so far,” he said. “We’ll see. What I always want to be remembered for is that I have given my best in every game whether that’s for Manchester United, Preston North End, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy or England. Playing for my country has been the biggest honour of my career.”

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