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London - David Beckham has received a personal phone call from England manager Fabio Capello to explain why he controversially ended the midfielder's international career without telling him first.
Beckham was said to be aghast when Capello announced in a televised interview ahead of a friendly fixture against Hungary earlier this month that the England legend would no longer be considered for selection because he is too old.
The news came as Beckham was recovering from an Achilles injury that had ruled him out of thee World Cup and despite constant assertions from the LA Galaxy star that he has no intention of retiring from international football.
Capello later claimed Beckham, who has 115 caps for England and is just 10 short of record holder Peter Shilton, would be allowed one last farewell appearance in a friendly at Wembley to say goodbye.
But after the Italian received intense criticism for the way he handled the announcement, being accused of showing a lack of respect for Beckham, he has finally opted to make contact with the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star.
Capello said: "I spoke honestly with a journalist in the TV interview. The question was 'what do you think about David'. What was I meant to do? Say 'wait, I have to stop and phone Beckham'?
"But immediately after the interview Franco Baldini spoke with David to tell him what had happened.
"Since then I spoke directly with David on the telephone and I explained what really happened - and the relationship is really good.
"I spoke with David because he was part of the staff at the World Cup. I usually don't speak on the phone with the players, in my career I never did this."
Capello appeared uncomfortable when repeatedly asked if Beckham would ever play for England again, perhaps aware that an unequivocal no would cause him yet more bad publicity.
But he made it clear that while the door is not completely closed on the LA Galaxy man, he is no longer in England's immediate plans.
Capello said: "First, he has to be back to play. We are monitoring all the players but I think the future is for the young players - because we have to think about the Euros.
"For all the players, the door is open always. But now I think about the young players. They need to play more games, get more experience.
"Some players it will be difficult to choose another time because of their age. I have to prepare the youth. In 2012 Beckham will be 36."
It was always going to be a difficult road back to the England team for Beckham, no matter how Capello's side performed in South Africa.
He had maintained his place in the squad only by leaving Los Angeles to play on loan with AC Milan in Serie A for the last two seasons - and at present there is no sign of a return to Europe.
Beckham always knew that if he stayed in America, where his family are said to be settled and happy, his international career would inevitably be curtailed and it now appears unlikely he will achieve his dream of becoming England's most-capped player.
Capello did hint at a possible future in coaching for Beckham, even though the player has always insisted that becoming a manager does not interest him.
The Italian said: "He has big experience. He knows different styles, he knows Spanish, Italian, English. Probably he knows a lot of different things so I think he can do it."
