LONDON (AFP) - If David Beckham does reach the coveted landmark of a 100th England cap against France next week, he will have earnt it purely on footballing grounds according to manager Fabio Capello.

Italian supremo Capello left Beckham out of his initial England squad for the 2-1 friendly win over Switzerland last month, saying the LA Galaxy midfielder was not fit enough.

And he was adamant he had not come under pressure from Football Association officials to select Beckham on this occasion so as to help sell more tickets for Wednesday's friendly in Paris.

"Let's get one thing straight, I don't call players up to do them a favour. I call them up with a view to future games and what I need to do in the future.

"In my career and my life as a football coach and manager I have always made my own decisions and I have never been put under pressure because those who choose me know me.

"It's not my style to call someone up to do them a favour. I call up players who I believe are important to the team. I believe he is going to be useful.

"Good players are good players whether they play in the US or England or in Spain," Capello, appointed after England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008, insisted.

Beckham, who kept his place in the England squad when it was reduced to 23-man on Saturday, was watched last week by Capello's longstanding assistant, Franco Baldini, has been training with Arsenal and playing practice matches ahead of the start of the Major League Soccer season.

Capello, speaking via an interpreter at the FA's London headquarters, added: "The previous match he was not fit because he had not played any games. He is now fit.

"When David is fit he can always make an important contribution because of his vision and the fact that he can cross the ball and create chances, not only from free-kicks but during open play as well.

"We have to watch him in training. The important thing is that he is available and fit."

Among those left out from Capello's provisional 30-man squad for the France game were 21-year-old Middlesbrough defender David Wheater.

Capello explained that Wheater's initial inclusion was a sign he was looking beyond established England internationals at so-called 'big' clubs.

"Having world-class players is not enough if you do not have a winning mentality," Capello said.

Michael Owen, who was left out against Switzerland, made the France cut after the striker scored for Newcastle in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Fulham

Owen also scored in the draw against Birmingham on Monday and Capello said: "He is fitter and more alive, better physically. I am happy with what I saw."

Capello, who has said he will only decide on a long-term captain prior to the start of England's qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup later this year, did not say who would lead the team out in Paris.

England begin their bid to reach South Africa away to minnows Andorra on September 6.