(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-02-27 15:25

SEOUL - David Beckham, who is just one match away from winning his coveted 100th England cap, admitted Wednesday he has his work cut out to be fit enough to play for his country again.

David Beckham, right, of the US soccer club Los Angeles Galaxy, poses with South Korea's soccer club FC Seoul's Lee Eul-yong after exchanging their jersey during a press conference in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008. Beckham acknowledged Wednesday that he is not yet fit enough to appear in what would be his 100th international appearance for England. [Agencies]

England manager Fabio Capello overlooked him for his first match in charge against Switzerland earlier this month on the grounds that the 32-year-old was not match fit.

Now Beckham is racing against time to prove his worth in time for England's friendly against France on March 26 in Paris.

"I would love to reach the 100 caps, but I have to be physically ready to be part of the team," the former England captain said here where his club LA Galaxy are on a pre-season training camp.

"All I've done is training. I have no match fitness."

Beckham and Galaxy arrived in Korea on Tuesday and will play an exhibition match on Saturday against FC Seoul at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

If he makes 100 caps, Beckham would be only the fifth Englishman to achieve the feat.

He said he understands Capello's decision not to pick him against Switzerland.

"I've played for Capello before, and he's a great manager," Beckham said.

"He is a manager that will pick players that are fit enough. I understand he selected others who played more games."

In the meantime, Beckham is focused on his pre-season preparations with Seoul the first stop on an Asian tour that also takes LA Galaxy to Shanghai for a match in March 5 and then Hong Kong on March 9.

"We're still two weeks into our pre-season and fitness wise, we're getting there slowly," Beckham said.

"We're looking forward to the game on March 1. I am very excited to play here before all the fans.

"We know Korea is a country that's very proud and passionate about football. It's going to be a difficult game because of some talented players here.

"But we'll give 100 percent like we always do and enjoy the game. I hope fans enjoy it, too."

FC Seoul, three-time champions of the K-League, faced Manchester United in an exhibition last July and lost 4-0. Manager Senol Gunes said things will be different this time.

"We have fewer injuries than last year, and our guys are well prepared after weeks of training," the Turkish coach said.

"There are still things we need to work on, but we're close to 100 percent heading into this game."