Beckham axed for Andorra clash
2008-09-06 20:04
Barcelona - David Beckham was left out of England's starting line-up for their Soccer World Cup qualifier against Andorra on Saturday as Fabio Capello gave his side an injection of pace.
Capello opted to give pacy Arsenal winger Theo Walcott his first England start on the right instead of Beckham.
With Wednesday's crucial match in Croatia looming, the England coach may have decided that LA Galaxy star Beckham would struggle to cope with two matches in five days.
Capello also selected the attack-minded Glen Johnson at right-back ahead of Wes Brown, while Joleon Lescott replaced injured centre-back Rio Ferdinand at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona.
Stewart Downing came in on the left in place of Joe Cole and Jermain Defoe partnered Wayne Rooney up front.
- AFP