McClaren tight-lipped on Beckham

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McClaren tight-lipped on Beckham

David Beckham has been in impressive form for Real Madrid
England coach Steve McClaren has refused to play down growing speculation that former captain David Beckham is in line for a recall.
McClaren names the England squad for the friendly against Brazil at Wembley and the Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia at noon on Saturday.

Beckham, 32, has not played for England since the World Cup quarter-final defeat against Portugal in June.

McClaren said: "Is the door open for Beckham? I never said it was closed."

Beckham, who will move to Major League Soccer outfit LA Galaxy in the summer, has been an influential member of the Real Madrid side that is closing in on La Liga.

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Should Beckham be recalled?

He has earned rave reviews, and, according to Madrid coach Fabio Capello, Beckham is in the "best form of his life".

"I told David the other day that I thought he has never been in such good form either mentally or physically and he agreed with me."

"I can't understand how a player who is playing so well can be left out of any national side," said Capello.

McClaren has admitted that Beckham's return is not impossible.

He said: "Does Beckham enter my mind? There are quite a few who do that and you will see on Saturday what the intentions are.

"Is there a more in-form midfielder than Beckham? We are talking about issues which aren't here yet and we will deal with them on Saturday if they come up.

"I keep my eye on everyone and David is one I said from day one that his form will be monitored."

McClaren will also monitor the fitness of striker Michael Owen on his international comeback at Turf Moor on Friday, when he captains England B against Albania.

Owen is on his way back after a serious knee injury suffered in the World Cup last summer.

He said: "Michael looks fit and sharp but lets not put too much pressure on him.

"He needs games and training sessions. He looks stronger and fitter and he has worked on that on his year out.

"It is a boost for everyone that he is involved. You do miss your best players."