OTHER SPORT

BECKS ON THE BRINK

David Beckham could get an England recall

Friday May 25,2007

By Duncan Maclay

Comment Speech Bubble Have your say(0)

STEVE McClaren insisted yesterday that the door is open for David Beckham to make an England return just 48 hours before he announces his squad for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia on June 6.

The England manager declared that experience would be the key to getting the campaign back on track in Tallinn and dropped a heavy hint that Beckham was very much in his mind.

McClaren, who axed Beckham when he took over the England job from Sven-Goran Eriksson last year, said: “I never said I had closed the door on David. People will see on Saturday morning what my intentions are.

“I keep my eye on all the players. I said from day one I’d continue to monitor David’s form and I have.”

Beckham has hit form lately during Real Madrid’s title challenge and the former England skipper says he is ready to play for his country again.

Tomorrow, McClaren will name his squad for the friendly against Brazil on June 1 and the tie against Estonia and it seems Beckham’s name could well be in that party.

“Experience is key,” added McClaren, who will run the rule over Michael Owen in tonight’s England B friendly with Albania. “Playing in the Champions League is one thing, but playing for England is a huge step up. We have to have players with experience – especially now because we need to win these games.”

England B: Carson; P Neville, Dawson, King, Shorey; Bentley, Jenas, Barry, Lennon; Smith, Owen.