LONDON - David Beckham must wait to learn whether he is part of new England coach Fabio Capello's short- and long-term plans with the Italian admitting: "I wish he was younger."
Beckham found himself one cap short of the century mark at the end of the Steve McClaren era after his substitute's appearance against Croatia at Wembley in the final Euro 2008 qualifier.
The Los Angeles Galaxy star has revealed his desire to try and play through to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and impressed Capello in the final stages of his Real Madrid career after fighting his way back into favour.
But it remains to be seen whether the age of 32-year-old Beckham will count against him and Capello also admitted the behaviour of the former Manchester United player would be an "important" factor.
Capello said: "I had a contrasting relationship with David Beckham at Real Madrid. In the end he demonstrated himself to be a great man and a great player.
"He is also the kind of person who, when he sets himself something, he will achieve it. With David Beckham, the only thing you would wish for is that he was younger.
"Will he be part of my plans? You never know. I will have to make choices. I believe basically that Beckham's behaviour will be important.
"However, there is still over a month to the first game (a friendly against Switzerland on February 6) so there is plenty of time for these important decisions to be made."
Capello would also make no assurances on whether John Terry would remain as captain - a role he was given by McClaren after Beckham resigned from the role after the 2006 World Cup.
There have been reports that some members of the Football Association board have been unhappy at Terry's aggressive behaviour towards referees when disputing decisions.
Capello said: "I have just arrived here and there are many things I have to think about. Give me some time.
"I have got over a month before the players meet up for the first game and I will make my decisions."
Capello has a reputation for being strict with his players at club level and wants Terry and Co to show pride when wearing the England shirt.
But he admits he will have to adapt his methods in dealing with a squad which he will only work with intermittently.
Capello said: "I believe a strict style of coaching is something one can only really apply if in contact with players on a daily basis. It is impossible to adapt coaching within one week.
"I am going to have to learn the habits of each individual and it is something I will decide when I meet the players.
"I think being the manager of England is also very different to being a manager of a club where you have daily contact with the players.
"My behaviour will have to change - as will theirs. All of them have a very big job to do because it is a very important shirt they are wearing."
Capello will watch DVDs of all England's Euro 2008 qualifiers and accepts the style of play he chooses will depend on which personnel are at his disposal.
He said: "I have to watch all the England qualifying games. I believe the style England adopt will depend on the players available to me.
"Yes, I believe there should be a style of play but it is equally important to be flexible."
