Capello: England axe hurt Beckham

8 november 2006, 09:20

Koen Freriks

David Beckham suffered 'psychological difficulties' after being dropped by Steve McClaren, claims Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello.

The 31-year-old resigned as England captain after the World Cup in Germany before being axed from the squad after McClaren succeeded Sven-Goran Eriksson as England manager. Now Beckham's future at the Bernabeu is under question after he stalled on signing a new contract following his lack of involvement in the Real team since Capello was appointed manager.

Capello told Sky Sports: "I think Beckham is an outstanding professional. He always gives his best both in training and when he is playing. But a coach needs the overall picture. In Beckham's case, he has had bad times after being left out of England's national team."