He's Beck!

No that's not supposed to happen. Goldenballs is meant to be seeing out the twilight of his career in the MLS. Despite all his assurances that he is going to bring sexyback to "soccer", the MLS is hardly the most testing environment for the former England captain.

Oh wait, he's just been handed the armband for tomorrow's friendly. Capello's audition for the vacancy of England captain has seen many players stake their claim for the role full time. But will Becks really be a part of the 2010 World Cup (if England do not slip up against Kazakhstan)? The handing of the armband to a former captain suggests Capello may be seriously considering Becks as an integral part of his future England squads.

Experience counts for a lot in the game but Becks had had his moment. Players like David Bentley and Ashley Young are ready to step up and take over from the world's most famous footballer. His passing range and set piece delivery may still be world class but it is time for him to step down. A substitute at best but hardly the epitome of England captain under a disciplinarian such as Capello. A captain in the mould of Gerrard, Ferdinand or Terry would be much more appropriate.

Imagine what Gareth Barry must be thinking. A chance for him to stake his claim gone. After all the rumours of him being handed the armband for the game, this must surely be, at best, a minor shock to his system. His ambition to play for his country ignored by Eriksson and now his ambition to lead his country ignored by Capello. However, Barry should still have his chance with further friendlies sure to be lined up for England before the start of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. Mind you if he does sign for Liverpool, you can expect his chances of becoming captain to disappear almost immediately. Would Gerrard relinquish his Anfield armband just for a friend? You wouldn't expect it and neither would the fans. Point being, if Barry wants to be England captain, he has to stay at Villa.

Capello must have a plan. Plans have been his forte throughout his management career. He may be a novice at international management but his brain is far too intelligent for that to hold him back. England can wait with bated breath but the decision to hand Becks the armband will surely have turned a few heads and baffled many more.