If Capello is not influenced by public opinion or ‘the Beckham Juggernaut’ then why is he still picking him in the squad? Surely Becks to AC Milan does not make an old, one-trick pony any good.

Read up on him a bit. Capello has never picked a player for any other reason than what he has to contribute to the side. He truly has ice in his veins in this regard. I’m assuming you mostly follow the English speaking media, but Capello has left out players that were more “sacred cows” in other countries he’s coached. He picks them when he wants, plays them where he wants and puts them in at whatever point in the game he wants. No questioning…and he gets a lot out of his players through his own sheer will and confidence. Not a man either swayed or interested in anyone’s PR machine.

BTW, Capello laughed and Beckham said he was embarrassed when “Brucie” (old teammate current pundit Steve Bruce) picked him as MOM. Silly choice but his rationale wasn’t as bad as it been for some.