Beckham has been training with Arsenal to maintain his fitness

The LA Galaxy midfielder is hoping to reach the century landmark in Capello's first game in charge of England against Switzerland at Wembley on 6 February.

"To deny him his 100th cap would not be right, and I think Fabio Capello has made up his mind about that," said Manchester United boss Ferguson.

"In fact, I don't think there is any doubt about that."

Interview: England's Steven Gerrard

Ex-England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson also hopes Beckham can reach a century of caps.

"I would agree 100 per cent with what Sir Alex has said," insisted the Manchester City manager, who had a particularly close relationship with former national team captain Beckham.

"He deserves his 100th cap, of course he does, simply for the service he has given.

David has still got an awful lot to offer in an England shirt Steven Gerrard

"I don't want to interfere with Capello, but David deserves to play in the team, and not just because it will be his 100th cap.

"Even if he is in America I think he can still fight for his place in the team, certainly his right foot is no worse than it used to be."

Steven Gerrard also believes that Beckham, 32, deserves to feature in Capello's first England line-up.

The Liverpool and England midfielder said: "I feel David's still got an awful lot to offer in an England shirt.

"He's still got the ability, he looks after himself and is as fit as anyone, so I'm sure he will want more than 100 (caps)."

Beckham has been training with Arsenal to maintain his fitness levels during the American off-season.

He could even be handed the captain's armband to mark the occasion, with John Terry unavailable because of a foot injury.

"It would be great for his family for him to have the armband," Terry said recently.

However, Ferguson also endorsed Rio Ferdinand's credentials as stand-in England captain.

606: DEBATE Do you think Beckham should be picked to face Switzerland?

"Rio has captained us a few times this season and experience is important in that role. Rio has more than 50 caps," said the Scot.

"He wouldn't have captained my side if he wasn't capable of captaining England."

Gerrard, who lost out to Terry when former England boss Steve McClaren opted for the Chelsea skipper, and said he would love to be given the armband.

"If the manager comes and asks you 'do you want to be captain?' then you say 'yes of course'," he said.

"But I don't want to put my name forward because we have our leader in John Terry and we have to show some respect and wait and see what the new manager decides."