体坛英语新闻：Beckham takes captain's armband for friendly

England's player David Beckham holds a ball during a training session in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on May 30, 2008. Beckham will lead England out as captain for the first time since the 2006 World Cup in Sunday's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago, the BBC reported on Saturday. (China Daily Photo)

    PORT OF SPAIN - England coach Fabio Capello named midfielder David Beckham as captain on Saturday for Sunday's friendly international against Trinidad & Tobago.         

    Beckham, who will win his 102nd cap, will captain the country for the 59th time in his career as Capello continues to rotate the armband until settling on a final choice for the start of the World Cup qualifiers in September.

    Capello, who will take charge of England for the fourth time, has previously named Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand and John Terry as his captains in his first three matches.

    Capello would not be drawn on whether Beckham was his long term option as captain and gave no clues about the composition of his team for Sunday's match.

    "I know very well the Beckham situation," said Capello, who also coached the player at Real Madrid.

    "It was the same in Spain and all over the world. For me, it is what he does on the pitch that counts."

    Sunday's match is England's final one of the season as they have not qualified for Euro 2008 which starts next week.