In comments to Los Angeles reporters, his first since Fabio Capello quit as England coach, David Beckham said he was disappointed that the Italian left in a dispute over whose authority it was to appoint the England captain. Beckham captained England through the 2006 World Cup, and he played for Capello at Real Madrid. Capello quit when the English FA stripped John Terry of the England captaincy without Capello's approval.

"I've been working with Fabio for quite a few years. It's sad, obviously that he stepped down at a critical stage for England. You know he's done it for his own reasons. You know he's a manager that I respect a lot, a person I respect a lot. I wish him all the best."

Beckham said it was the coach's call who was England captain. "You know I think that's always the case," he said. "Obviously, a decision was taken ... to take the captaincy away from John. Going forward, I'm sure the captain will be picked by whatever manager steps in."

Beckham backed Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp for the England coaching job. "Harry's a great man, great manager. His man management is incredible," Beckham said. "I know players, obviously, who have played up him. I've trained under him. He's not just a great manager but he's a great person as well."