LONDON — David Beckham was dropped from England's team for next week's exhibition game in Germany because his coach says he's not in shape.

Beckham has been a late substitute in all four of England's World Cup qualifying victories. If England advances to the 2010 championship in South Africa, Beckham is in good position to make the team.

But coach Fabio Capello said the former captain will not play against the Germans because the Los Angeles Galaxy's season is over in Major League Soccer and Beckham is idle until he joins AC Milan on loan in January.

Capello said he would have selected Beckham if the Galaxy had made the MLS playoffs.

"He last played three weeks ago. ... If he had played in the playoffs, it would have been OK for me," the coach said. "It's my system for my job. If you play, you will be in the squad. He is a good player. He will play for AC Milan. We have time to check him."