Beckham back in England fold
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Article summary
Former captain David Beckham has been recalled to the England squad for Friday's friendly with Brazil and the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier in Estonia on 6 June.
Article body
'Absolutely delighted'
It is the first time the Real Madrid CF midfielder has been included in the squad since coach Steve McClaren took over from Sven-Göran Eriksson after last year's FIFA World Cup. "David Beckham I believe will help us win in Estonia and that's why I picked him," McClaren told Sky Sports television. "He was absolutely delighted as I knew he would be. He has been a real professional throughout. He's coming into form and deserved to be in."
Two newcomers
McClaren named a 26-man squad which also includes striker Michael Owen for the first time since he sustained a serious knee injury on England duty in the FIFA World Cup in Germany. Blackburn Rovers FC midfielder David Bentley and Reading FC defender Nicky Shorey have also been named for the first time after impressive displays in Friday's 3-1 victory in a B international against Albania. Chelsea FC midfielder Joe Cole also rejoins the squad after a long absence from the international scene. England play Brazil on Friday in their first international at the new Wembley Stadium before visiting Estonia for their key UEFA EURO 2008™ Group E qualifying match on 6 June.
England squad
Goalkeepers: Paul Robinson (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Scott Carson (Liverpool FC), Robert Green (West Ham United FC).
Defenders: Phil Neville (Manchester United FC), Rio Ferdinand, (Manchester United FC) John Terry (Chelsea FC), Wayne Bridge (Chelsea FC), Wes Brown (Manchester United FC), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool FC), Michael Dawson (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Ledley King (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Nicky Shorey (Reading FC).
Midfielders: David Beckham (Real Madrid CF), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Joe Cole (Chelsea FC), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur FC), David Bentley (Blackburn Rovers FC), Michael Carrick (Manchester United FC), Frank Lampard (Chelsea FC), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough FC), Kieron Dyer (Newcastle United FC)
Strikers: Peter Crouch (Liverpool FC), Michael Owen (Newcastle United FC), Alan Smith (Manchester United FC), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur FC),
