Friday, November 9, 2007

Beckham back for England

David Beckham has been recalled to England's squad for their forthcoming matches against Austria and Croatia.
Beckham had missed England's last four games with a knee injury but the LA Galaxy midfielder is back for next Friday's friendly in Austria and the final Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley the following Wednesday.
England coach Steve McClaren flew to Los Angeles last weekend to assess Beckham's fitness and he left convinced the former Manchester United star is ready to handle two matches in six days, despite barely having played for his club in the last 10 weeks.
Beckham should win his 98th and 99th caps for his country in these two matches, but could be left stuck one short of a century if England fail to qualify for Euro 2008.
With speculation mounting that England's likely elimination from the race for Euro 2008 will see McClaren lose his job, the coach has named a 26-man squad for what could be his last two matches in charge.
England captain John Terry is missing as he recovers from knee surgery, while Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been left out because he is suspended for the qualifier.
Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole returns after an ankle injury and Owen Hargreaves is also back from injury.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Paul Robinson (Tottenham), David James (Portsmouth), Scott Carson (Liverpool, on loan at Aston Villa)
Defenders: Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Nicky Shorey (Reading), Wes Brown (Manchester United), Sol Campbell (Portsmouth), Joleon Lescott (Everton), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Phil Neville (Everton)
Midfielders: David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Owen Hargreaves (Manchester United), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Ashley Young (Aston Villa), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), David Bentley (Blackburn Rovers)
Strikers: Alan Smith (Newcastle), Michael Owen (Newcastle), Wayne Rooney (Manche United), Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham)
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