Beckham vows to regain England place

Published September 17, 2006

LONDON, Sept 16: Former England captain David Beckham has said he will fight to win back his international place after being dropped by new manager Steve McClaren following this year's World Cup.

Beckham told the Daily Mirror McClaren had contacted him before last month's friendly against Greece to tell him he had been left out of the England squad.

“I know people said I should have seen it coming,” Beckham said. “But I never saw it coming. It was a total shock. It's a terrible feeling not playing for England after 10 years of being involved.”

The 31-year-old Real Madrid midfielder, who has won 94 caps, said he will not retire from international football.

“I didn't announce my international retirement because I want to play for England again,” he said.—Reuters

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