Manchester City defender Micah Richards is surprised by David Beckham's omission from the England squad.

He told his column on BBC Sport: "I was a little bit surprised, and disappointed, that David Beckham wasn't included in Fabio Capello's first England squad but I can understand why - he is not match fit.

"I don't agree with just giving players England caps. I think they should be earned on merit.

"But, if he was fit, I think David would be in the squad - I don't see it that he has been dropped.

"He can still win that 100th cap and I am sure, once he is back playing regularly, he will.

"It is a bit harsh to say that just because he plays in America he shouldn't get picked but it has definitely counted against him on this occasion - he has not played enough matches.

"You can see that he has still got the quality though and let's just hope he gets fit because he is still an important player for our team."

(reopens) Former England boss Kevin Keegan is confident Beckham will complete a century, and could go even further.

He said: "I don't really have a strong opinion on it, except to say I think he deserves it and there is room to do it.

"People say there is no room for sentiment in football, but I think there is.

"What's wrong with putting him in the squad and fetching him on and giving him his 100th cap?

"He has contributed greatly to the English international scene over the last decade and I am one of the softies who thinks there is room for sentiment.

"It's not like saying you are going to fetch him back.

"Who knows? Football is such a strange game, David Beckham could come back into the squad as he did last time and end up playing 130 times for his country."

Indeed, Keegan knows from personal experience that international careers can be revived.

He said: "I remember Ian Callaghan at Liverpool. Everyone thought he was finished when I arrived.

"He not only ended up keeping his Liverpool place and playing to a ripe old age, he got back into the England squad and played for England again.

"Whatever you think about football, whether it is fair or not, whether there is room for sentiment or not, it has a life of its own and I wouldn't be surprised if David Beckham plays more than 100 games for his country.

"I definitely think he will get his 100th cap somewhere along the line, because he deserves it."

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