The England football coach Fabio Capello has virtually called time on David Beckham's international career.
Beckham was unable to play in the World Cup due to an Achilles injury suffered while on loan at AC Milan in March, but the LA Galaxy midfielder had hoped to return to England duty when he was fully fit.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star went to the World Cup as part of Capello's backroom staff but the Italian, speaking ahead of today's friendly against Hungary at Wembley, made it clear there was little chance of a recall for the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.
Capello says he'd like to thank Beckham for helping him at the World Cup but probably he is a little bit old.
If Capello is true to his word, the 35-year-old former England captain will end his international career with 115 caps, the most number for any England outfield player but 10 short of Peter Shilton's overall national record.
Beckham played in the 1998, 2002 and 2006 editions of the World Cup, but he was never able to enjoy his best form at the tournament.