Beckham, 33, wants a transfer from the Los Angeles Galaxy to give himself the best chance of going to the 2010 World Cup - and his first five matches for Milan has resulted in two goals.

His form in the last year has cemented his place in Capello's squad and on Wednesday against Spain the former Manchester United midfielder is in the frame to equal Bobby Moore's record of 108 caps for an outfield player.

"Beckham is a very important player," said Capello. "The form of David is okay now, I've watched him in one game in Milan and (Italo) Galbiati and Franco Baldini saw his other games.

"He is fit now. Every player in the squad has to play, not just train. This is important for David and for us. He is better than he was six months ago."

Capello predictably sees a distinct difference in the standard of Serie A and Major League Soccer in America.

"Sure. The game is different," he said. "More pressure. It is stronger. That is the difference.

"I think he wants to stay for those reasons - it's exciting, Milan are a good team. But he has to choose."

Capello is refusing to guarantee Beckham's caps record - insisting his selection and substitutes for the clash in Seville will be on merit - but the veteran has still made a remarkable comeback after being frozen out by former boss Steve McClaren.

As usual, for Capello the Beckham issue is about getting the best results, rather than personal accolades.

"I never think about this when I choose a player or make a substitution," he said.

"I never spoke to him about Italy. I don't talk about whether it is better in Los Angeles or Milan, that is not my job.

"David is very fit now and this is important."

Capello views the friendly against the European champions as a test of how far England have progressed after a year in charge.

Beckham should get a chance as Capello is planning to use his full compliment of substitutes, as a favour to Barclays Premier League managers who have congested schedules at this time of the season.

"I will try something different, a lot of substitutions because when we play on Wednesday I try to help the clubs because some players play too much," Capello said. "There will be six substitutions.

"It's not a fantastic time, this game, because a lot of teams play the FA Cup and the Premier League. This is one time when it is possible some players will be tired."

Capello also expressed an element of frustration over Shay Given's move from Newcastle to Manchester City, meaning highly-rated youngster Joe Hart may miss out on first-team action.

"Yes, City decided to sign Given," he said. "But we will follow Hart. He has played in the first XI for a long time, we know him very well. It could be a problem, in the future."