Performance, not sympathy, behind Beckham's inclusion in squad: Capello

London, Feb.11 (ANI): England coach Fabio Capello has rejected claims that David Beckham is in the side due to sympathy and his star status.

Capello said Bekham is in the national squad on performance.

He (Bekham) is in the side solely because he is a good player. He is not here for sympathy. I would never pick a player for those reasons," The Daily Express quoted Capello, as saying.

Capello has a tough task ahead while selecting players for the forthcoming fixtures as several other contenders knocking at door.

Riding on their superb performances in Germany last year, Michael Carrick and Gareth Barry have announced their readiness for the national call. While James Milner and Carlton Cole are two of the more interesting options available to the English coach.

Emile Heskey, who has been recuperating from an ankle injury, has also thrown-in his claim for the mid-field spot, which Frank Lampard is also eyeing. (ANI)