MANCHESTER, Jan 25: Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson believes David Beckham deserves the chance to make his 100th international appearances when England play Switzerland next month.

Fabio Capello takes charge of England for the first time in the friendly on Feb 6, and Beckham is hoping that his former Real Madrid coach will include him in the team.

“I don't think there is any doubt about that,” Ferguson said. “I'm convinced he will get his 100th cap. To deny him another cap when he is already on 99 would not be right and I think Capello has made up his mind about that.”

Both Ferguson and Capello have fallen out with Beckham in the past.

Ferguson sold Beckham to Real Madrid for 25 million pounds in 2003 after the midfielder had made 387 appearances for United.

He later blamed Beckham's celebrity lifestyle following his marriage to pop-singer Victoria “Posh Spice” Adams for the breakdown in their relationship.

Capello took over as Real Madrid coach in 2006. He dropped Beckham in January 2007 when the former England captain announced his move to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer.

Capello vowed never to play Beckham again, but the player won his place back and helped Madrid win the Spanish league title.

The 32-year-old Beckham welcomed Capello's appointment as England coach in December.

“Fabio is one of the managers players look up to and want to manage them,” he said. “I think he is going to be great for the players and the England team. I hope I'll be part of his plans.”

Only four players — Peter Shilton, Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton and Billy Wright — have made more than 100 England appearances.

Trinidad and Tobago defender Marvin Andrews is the only player to have been left stuck on 99 international appearances, after injury ruled him out of the 2006 World Cup.—AP