by Anton Johan
Fabio Capello's usually tough facade was starting to show cracks this weekend as he expressed his frustration at the media for putting his decision to axe David Beckham from the English squad under such scrutiny.
The manager said that he still has a good relationship with Beckham, and he could not understand why there was such a negative reaction to a decision made entirely for the good - and the future - of the team.
Capello said in an interview that the had to think ten times before he answered any questions regarding Beckham as he was scared that the media would find something wrong when he spoke.
"You're asked about Beckham and what do you say?" he mused. "I said what I thought, really. It's not a big problem in terms of the relationship between me and David - absolutely no problem."
When asked what he thought about rumours that Wayne Rooney would quit international football after being jeered by fans on Wednesday nigh, Capello dismissed this as speculation
"Absolutely not," he insisted, "because he's a really good boy. I spoke with him and there is no problem. He's a really good man and he wants to stay with us."
In the meantime, Becks has returned to training with his Los Angeles Galaxy team - the first session since March when he ruptured his Achilles tendon.
"I've been waiting for this, almost five months to get back on the field," he said. "Obviously there's still an air of caution I have to take. I don't want to re-rupture it and be out again. I have to take my time, I'll know when I'm ready."
Despite his disappointment in not being able to represent England in the World Cup due to his injury, Beckham still travelled with the team to South Africa, serving as an unofficial liaison between the players and coaching staff.
