David Beckham has been recalled to the England squad for next week's friendly
with Brazil and the crucial Euro 2008 trip to Estonia on June 6.
The former England skipper was dumped by new coach Steve McClaren following
this summer's World Cup but after producing a series of superb performances for
Real Madrid over the past few weeks, Beckham has now earned an emotional
comeback.
It represents an amazing about-turn in fortune for the 32-year-old, who
believed he would remain stuck on 94 caps.
Having selected Beckham, it is impossible to envisage McClaren not starting with
him against Brazil.
Although McClaren felt he needed to make a statement of intent about moving on
from the Sven-Goran Eriksson era, with results going against him, bringing back
the prodigal son was always on the cards.
Beckham is by far the most notable member of a 26-man squad, which includes
Aaron Lennon even though the Tottenham winger is almost certain to miss out
after twisting a knee in last night's B international against Albania at Turf
Moor.
Ashley Cole, Gary Neville, Andrew Johnson, Micah Richards, Owen Hargreaves and
Ben Foster are all absent through injury, while Wayne Rooney - who was suspended
for the Estonia game anyway - was not considered.
Preston's David Nugent misses out, despite scoring on his debut against
Andorra in March, but Joe Cole is available, while Blackburn's David Bentley and
Reading's Nicky Shorey are handed their first senior calls.
Meanwhile, Sven-Goran Eriksson has hailed David Beckham following the former England
captain's recall to the squad.
Steve McClaren, the man who succeeded Eriksson as England boss after last
summer's World Cup, has decided to end Beckham's international exile after the
midfielder's starring role in Real Madrid's late-season revival.
Beckham has been selected in the 26-man squad for the friendly against Brazil
at Wembley next Friday and the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia five days
later.
And Eriksson told
Sky Sports 2: 'I am very happy for him. He deserves to
play.'
Beckham will leave Madrid to join the Los Angeles Galaxy in July, leading to
speculation that his international return may only be temporary.
Eriksson added: 'In the future? I don't know, they start again in September.
'But I can't see any better player on the right. Maybe not for Real Madrid,
maybe not anywhere in the world.'
