Beckham made to wait, Ferdinand misses out

David Beckham was made to wait for his record-breaking 109th England cap after being named among the substitutes for Saturday’s friendly against Slovakia.

Beckham had hoped to start the Wembley clash as he looked to pass Bobby Moore’s record cap total for an England out-field player, but coach Fabio Capello opted to select Aaron Lennon on the right wing instead of the on-loan AC Milan star.

Beckham was still expected to claim the milestone appearance against the Slovakians by coming off the bench in the second half.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was ruled out with a back injury suffered in training, forcing Capello to pick West Ham centre-back Matthew Upson alongside captain John Terry.

With Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard in central midfield, Steven Gerrard was once again asked to play a roving role from the left wing despite his superb form for Liverpool in a more advanced central position.

Wayne Rooney, sent off in his last appearance for United, partnered Emile Heskey in Capello’s forward line.