February 03, 2008	Sunday	Muharram 24, 1429

MANCHESTER, Feb 2: Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said on Friday he was not surprised by David Beckham’s omission from the first squad selected by new England coach Fabio Capello as he was not match fit.

Beckham, whose LA Galaxy team are between seasons, had hoped to win his 100th cap when England face Switzerland at Wembley on Feb 6 but was not picked for the squad.

“I am not surprised,” Ferguson told reporters. “I think Fabio is correct in what he said that he is not match fit. That is the reason he’s not picked. I think that’s straightforward.

“And you have to think about Fabio’s position. He has to win that game,” Ferguson added.

“It’s his first game as manager of England. He is a foreign coach who has come with a great CV and reputation and so the Switzerland game is an important game for him.

“He has laid down his marker quite firmly. He wants players who are match fit and of course David has not played any football.”—Reuters