Ferguson hopes for Beckhams century

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes new England boss Fabio Capello would award David Beckham his 100th international cap.

London, Jan 25 : Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes new England boss Fabio Capello would award David Beckham his 100th international cap.

Former England skipper Beckham has had his differences with both Ferguson and Capello in the past.

The breakdown in Ferguson and Beckham's relationship led to the player's move from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2003, while the announcement of the 32-year-old's move to Los Angeles Galaxy last year irked then Real Madrid boss Capello.

But Ferguson does not want a player of Beckham's stature to be left stranded on 99 caps and the Scot said: "To deny him his 100th cap would not be right and I think Fabio Capello has made up his mind about that. In fact, I don't think there is any doubt about that."

The pair have long made up since Beckham's bitter departure from Manchester United.

Beckham will reach that milestone if he plays in the Switzerland friendly at Wembley on February 6.

Fergie also believes Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand could yet be the captain of England.

Capello has still not decided if Chelsea's John Terry will keep the armband.

"Rio has captained us a few times this season and experience is important in that role. Rio has more than 50 caps," The Sun quoted Ferguson, as saying.

"John Terry has the position so I don't think Rio will be looking at it as the be all and end all. If it happens, I think he will be happy. He wouldn't have captained my side if he wasn't capable of captaining England," he said.

ANI