Becks agent refutes retirement talk

David Beckham's agent has promised the 35-year-old "will always be available for his country", despite Fabio Capello calling time on the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder's England career.

Beckham will seemingly play no part in England's Euro 2012 bid following Capello's frank admission. However, his agent insists the former England captain, who has been dropped by his country before, has no intention of hanging up his boots.

A statement read: "For your info, there has been no discussion of retirement. He will always be available for his country, when fit and if needed he will be there."

Beckham missed the World Cup through injury but ended up being part of the backroom staff in South Africa because of the influence he has over the current group of players.

However, even when he recovers from his Achilles injury, it seems the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder will not be required for the attempt to reach Euro 2012.

"I say thank you very much for helping me at the World Cup but probably he is a little bit old," Capello told ITV ahead of Wednesday night's 2-1 friendly win over Hungary at Wembley.

Capello revealed afterwards that Beckham could be given one more chance to pull on the Three Lions shirt, most likely against France on November 17.

"He will play one friendly to say bye bye," Capello told reporters after last night's game.

Asked if that was the right way to deliver the news, Steven Gerrard said: "I don't know whether Fabio Capello has spoken to David. I don't know what's happened there.

"But David can hold his head up high for the service he's given to the England team."