It has been a debate which seemingly everyone in England has an opinion on. Should Fabio Capello have named David Beckham in his first England squad to face Switzerland at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday evening?

Famous names in the world of football including Ruud Gullit, Arsene Wenger and Peter Shilton have all expressed contrasting opinions on the matter, while even British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has had his say, by backing the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder to gain his century in the near future.

In truth, it is a debate which has polarised the country, with it seems a majority backing the new England manager, while hoping that in time, Beckham proves his worth by earning the right to be included in one of Capello's squads.

The Times' Martin Samuel appears to have judged the mood of the media and the man in the streets perfectly when he writes.

"Do you want a 100th cap that is a charity job, a favour, a sop tossed to a sentimental public that will, in essence, mean nothing, coming as it does for all the wrong reasons; or do you want a century that is deserved, that brings with it the acknowledgement of a career that has life in it still, that can be crucial and significant and meaningful beyond all expectations?

"Do you, David Beckham, want to have a goal in life or a fake gold clock? And, put like that, how could he logically resist? Indeed, how could anyone? The ego-strokers and proto-stalkers may fume impotently, but Fabio Capello has got his first big call absolutely right."

However, in this instance, Capello may have learned an important lesson. In or out of the team, 99 caps, 100 or 101, Beckham's name will remain at the forefront of the minds of the English public and press until the time comes when he decides to hang up his boots for good.

Same men, different manager
Those hoping for a new broom when Capello announced his first 23-man England squad may have been a little bit disappointed upon finding out the Aston Villa's Gabriel Agbonlahor was the only new face included. Their anguish may have increased still further when learning that the pacy and powerful 21-year-old was forced to pull out due to a hamstring injury.

With Portsmouth's new signing Jermain Defoe slotting in, it means that there will be no debutants on Wednesday night. Michael Owen, who netted for Newcastle on Sunday, is the squad's most experienced player with 88 caps, while the likes of David Bentley, Joleon Lescott and Ashley Young will be looking to add to their growing reputations.

Some seem agitated that Capello's squad held few surprises, well he does have to pick from the rather limited genre of English footballers so there was always going to be an air of predictability about it, he can't say, "Up front is King Herod partnering Ray Winstone and in goal is Taylor Coleridge's The Ancient Mariner. Oh no - that's a disaster, he only stoppeth one of three!
English comedian Russell Brand

English comedian Russell Brand also got in on the act. Writing in his blog on The Guardian's website, he opined: " "

Yet while people all over the country such as Samuel, Brown and Brand try to guess Capello's starting 11 for the visit of the UEFA EURO 2008 co-hosts, the England manager made time to console those who were omitted.

"I want to be clear that the players who have not made the squad this time are still part of my plans," he said. "We will be monitoring the form of everyone very closely as we work towards the competitive matches which start in September. There is a lot of work to do but I am ready for the challenge. We have seven months to prepare for our first competitive match, but the work really starts now."