Beckham left out of England squad

By Martyn Herman

LONDON (Reuters) - Former captain David Beckham was left out of Fabio Capello's first England squad on Thursday for next week's friendly against Switzerland at Wembley.

The LA Galaxy midfielder, who was hoping to win his 100th cap, has not played a competitive match since England's 3-2 defeat by Croatia in a Euro 2008 qualifier last November but had been training with Arsenal in a bid to maintain his fitness.

It is not a new experience for the 32-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder who was also left out of former England manager Steve McClaren's first squad before eventually being recalled.

Goalkeeper Paul Robinson, first choice until being dropped for the Croatia game, was also omitted from the squad after being relegated to the bench at Tottenham Hotspur.

Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor and defender Curtis Davies, on loan at Villa from West Bromwich Albion, have been given the chance to win their first caps after being named in a 30-man squad along with three others from the Midlands club.

Newcastle United striker Michael Owen is included, despite scoring just two league goals this season, as is Liverpool target man Peter Crouch who has netted just once in the league. Wayne Rooney and Emile Heskey are the other two strikers.

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe finds himself out in the cold while his team mate, winger Aaron Lennon, is in the under-21 squad. Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas is recalled, however, after impressing for the north London club.

BECKHAM EXCLUDED