But what about the fans?

Oregon, London,

What would be wrong in picking Beckham. Quite simply the fact that if he isn't fit enough to play he will be a drain on the team. Moreover, Beckham would have got his 100th cap if he hadn't decided that kicking the Argentinians in the World Cup seemed like a good idea. Beckham will still be around for future games and still offers a distinct and quality option in midfield. But if he's not fit enough he shouldn't play simply for sentiment's sake.

Tom D, London, UK

It seems like every game in England these days is pre-ceded by a minute's silence. Now we are to suffer a 'Munich' silence to which I can not sympathize with. It's ridiculous and unwarranted, in as much as the tragic event belongs to another age. Truth is it will only help mythologize a club not much liked by non-supporters these days and divide England fans as to the motives behind the decision.

Paul McCloskey, London, UK

Beckham should have been "retired" from international football when he traded competitive football in Europe for a film star lifestyle in Holywood.

Seamus, Belfast, Northern Ireland

beckham does not 'deserve' anything. the manager will pick his squad for better or worse. 100 caps will not make him a better or worse player, it does not 'mean' anything. fabio is the best thing to have happened to england in a very long time, possibly since terry venables was in charge at euro 96. he picks players on form and on merit, not on 'status'.
scholes was a much better player for england than beckham yet he backed away from the polarising media and barely saw the front of newspapers, so barely saw the credit he deserved. beckham was a good player but he could have been great if he had just stuck to football

gary neville, manchester,

I say give Beckham hos 100th cap, let him ride off into the sunset, and let the establishment move forward.

Timi, London,

going back 10 years and making sentimental selections, are england newcastle in disguise? I don't think so! Look to the future Fabio.

ian, Wokingham, england

He deserves his 100th cap. He is the only player who gives 110% for England and is still the best crosser of a ball and free kick taker in the game. He inspires the rest of the team by example. Even if he just plays the first half!

Helen, London

Helen, London,

I'm Canadian/Italian, who loves Football, and I would like nothing better than English Football become competitive again in the International level.A world stage without Italy,England,Germany,or even Spain would not be a World Cup.

Erc, Toronto,

What would be wrong in Capello picking Beckham and saying quite clearly that this is a reward for his attitude and effort towards wearing an England shirt? The attidue and determination he shows being a commodity in all to short supply these days. I also beleive Beckham to be a powerful figure in the dressing room and as, as far as I know, the only player to have played under Capello, he might be a useful addition anyway. Capello can then achieve both goals populism and setting out his authority - and what an honest way to start!

Mark, Ipswich, UK

So far so good, i hope he does not cave in to the lunatic fringe who value hype over common sense. If he doesn't think Beckham is fit enough or sharp enough or selectable for various reasons he should leave him aside. We need a break from the past where players were selected on name alone, it took us nowhere and fostered an elitism in the England camp that was very damaging.

Scott, Bangkok, Thailand