New England manager Steve McClaren decided to drop fellow midfielder David Beckham from the squad for Wednesday's friendly against Greece.

    "It is strange for me because ever since I've been involved since 2001, Becks has been here, he's been the captain and he's obviously been the focal point of the team," Hargreaves told a news conference at a training session.

    Expressing his surprise, Hargreaves added, "I'm not the manager and I don't pick the team (but) I had a great time playing with Becks."

    Hargreaves, 25, could benefit from Beckham's omission after performing well in the World Cup, winning over the England fans with his all-action performance in the quarter-final defeat by Portugal.

    Wednesday's friendly offers a good chance to prove his quality to McClaren, who succeeded Sven-Goran Eriksson when England was knocked out of the World Cup.

    Hargreaves said: "Every player in this squad has the opportunity to present themselves to the new manager. Hopefully I will get my opportunity."

    The Bayern Munich player was guarded about media reports linking him with a move to Manchester United. "In football, anything is possible," said he. "You have seen that in the past and the transfer deadline is not until Aug. 31." Enditem

    (Agencies)