Former soccer skipper David Beckham has admitted that coach Steve McClaren had probably wrecked his dream of getting 100 caps for England.
London, Mar.25 : Former soccer skipper David Beckham has admitted that coach Steve McClaren had probably wrecked his dream of getting 100 caps for England.
Becks is now set to notch his century against France in Paris tomorrow.
But when the former Three Lions skipper was axed from McClaren's first squad in August 2006, he admitted for the first time that he felt his international career was over.
"I was shocked and hurt when I had the phone call from Steve McClaren to tell me I wasn't part of his plans," The Sun quoted Beckham, as saying.
The call came as the midfielder was boarding a plane to America for a Real Madrid pre-season tour.
He added: "That was probably the lowest point for me and I had a 14-hour flight to think about it. I thought my England career was over. Deep down, I hoped it wasn't. But, deeper down, I felt I wasn't going to get the chance to play for my country again and reach 95, never mind 100, caps.
"I didn't see that phone call coming. It was always in my mind, six months before, to retire as captain. But I always felt I wouldn't be retiring from international football.
"After being told that, I didn't know what to think. I never thought I'd be told that."
Ex-boss McClaren recalled him in May 2007 to face Brazil.
Beckham added: "It's important for me to carry on. I want to take it beyond 100."
ANI