Beckham returns to England squad

David Beckham is back in the England fold after being picked in the squad to play Brazil and Estonia.

It is the first time the Real Madrid man has been picked by Steve McClaren, who has ignored him since taking over as England coach after the 2006 World Cup.

McClaren has been persuaded less by Beckham's excellent club form for Real Madrid than by his own precarious position.

With England's Euro 2008 qualifying campaign on the rocks, the manager is expected to lose his job if England fail to pick up maximum points against Estonia, who have lost all five of their matches so far.

The Three Lions find themselves fourth in Group E after disappointing results against Macedonia, Croatia and Israel.



With Aaron Lennon and Steven Gerrard both failing to make the right midfield spot their own, McClaren has turned to the former captain, who will finally get the chance to add to his 94 caps.

Although Beckham is expected to go straight into the starting 11 for the Wembley friendly against Brazil on June 1st, his return may be only a short-term solution.

The 32-year-old moves to the Los Angeles Galaxy next month, and there are serious question marks over whether an England place is feasible for somebody playing in the MLS.

Not only is the standard poor and the pitches often comically sporting NFL markings, the long travelling distances to Europe could prove a logistical nightmare.

For now, though, Beckham will be delighted to be back, and McClaren will pray that the return of the man he so publicly snubbed last year keeps him in a job over the summer months.

"I've got to pick a squad to win a game, and I think David Beckham can help us to win that game," said McClaren.

"At the end of the day it's my decision and I've made the decision that I think is best for the team.

"I've picked him in the squad and what the starting 11 will be to play Brazil and Estonia will become apparent later on.

"He was absolutely delighted, obviously. He has been a total professional throughout, he has come into form and deserves his recall."

Elsewhere, Michael Owen makes his expected return after completing 90 minutes for England B on Friday.

Uncapped duo Nicky Shorey and David Bentley also get their chance having impressed against Albania at Burnley. along with Alan Smith.

There is no place for David Nugent, despite the Preston striker scoring on his debut, while injury rules out Owen Hargreaves, Ashley Cole, Darren Bent and Andy Johnson.

ENGLAND SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Paul Robinson (Tottenham), Scott Carson (Liverpool), Robert Green (West Ham)

Defence: Philip Neville (Everton), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), John Terry (Chelsea), Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Wes Brown (Manchester United), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Michael Dawson, Ledley King (both Tottenham), Nicky Shorey (Reading)

Midfield: David Beckham (Real Madrid), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), David Bentley (Blackburn), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Kieron Dyer (Newcastle)

Attack: Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Michael Owen (Newcastle), Alan Smith (Manchester United), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham)