England coach Steve McClaren has recalled former captain David Beckham to the 26-man squad to face Brazil in a friendly next week and Estonia in Euro 2008 qualifiers on June sixth. "Beckham is coming into form and deserves to be here," McClaren told Sky Sports News. "We've got a very big game in Estonia coming up that we have to win and I've got to pick a squad capable of doing that. That's why I've picked David." The 32-year-old stepped down as England skipper after the 2006 World Cup and has been out of favor in McClaren's squad since then. However, the Real Madrid midfielder has put in some magnificent performances for Los Meringues in the past few weeks. He was also largely helped by the injury of England's first-choice right-winger Aaron Lennon who has pulled out of the squad despite his initial inclusion. "Since Christmas his form has been very good, I think he can help us win in Estonia and that's why I picked him," McClaren added. Despite Beckham's return, the England boss insisted that Chelsea's John Terry will wear the captain's armband.
"John remains captain, he's a fantastic captain. Beckham is one of the players in the squad. John is the captain." McClaren handed first ever call-ups to Reading's Nicky Shorey and Blackburn's David Bentley. England squad to face Brazil and Estonia: Goalkeepers: Paul Robinson (Tottenham), Scott Carson (Liverpool), Robert Green (West Ham). Defenders: Phil Neville (Everton), Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd), John Terry (Chelsea), Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Wes Brown (Man Utd), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Michael Dawson (Tottenham), Ledley King (Tottenham), Nicky Shorey (Reading). Midfielders:David Beckham (Real Madrid), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jermain Jenas (Tottenham), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), David Bentley (Blackburn), Michael Carrick (Man Utd), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Stuart Downing (Middlesbrough), Kieron Dyer (Newcastle). Srikers:Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Michael Owen (Newcastle), Alan Smith (Man Utd), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham).
