Beckham omission stuns Macedonia
Macedonia coach Srecko Katanec is amazed England cannot find room for David Beckham in their starting team.
The former England skipper, 31, has been left on the sidelines in each squad new boss Steve McClaren has named since the World Cup finals in Germany.
But Katanec said: \"For me, he is a key player, although now he isn't even in the first XI at Real Madrid.
\"If I was in McClaren's position, without a shadow of a doubt Beckham would be in the team.\"
Beckham was dropped for the friendly win over Greece and was again overlooked for the opening two Euro 2008 qualifying victories against Andorra and Macedonia.
Macedonia defender Aleksandar Vasoski added: \"We couldn't believe that Beckham wasn't there again.
\"For me he is a hero, a legend. I marked him when we played England in 2003 and it was one of the greatest moments of my life. It earned me a move to Eintracht Frankfurt.\"
Beckham scored in both of England's Euro 2004 qualifying matches against Macedonia.
But McClaren's decision, particularly off the back of the recent injuries to Aaron Lennon and Owen Hargreaves, means the midfielder has little prospect of adding to his 94 caps.
In addition, Beckham has been left on the bench for Real Madrid in the early stages of their season, although he has been assured he has a future with the Spanish giants.
