England boss Fabio Capello has assured LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham after leaving him out of the squad for Saturday's defeat to Ukraine.

Beckham, understandably, was said to be disappointed but Capello insisted that he remained an important member of the squad.

"We have 24 players," he said. "If David is here it is because he is important for the best 24 in this moment.

"But I have to decide 18 players, 11 on the pitch and seven on the bench. They can play 15 minutes. All the players are important."