Beckham hopes for England future

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Beckham hopes for England future

Beckham has been in impressive form for Real Madrid
David Beckham insists he can still play for England after his summer move to Los Angeles Galaxy from Real Madrid.
The former captain, 32, is expected to be recalled for next week's friendly with Brazil when Steve McClaren unveils his squad at noon on Saturday.

Beckham told BBC Radio Five Live: "I still feel I would be able to play for England if it ever comes up again.

"The US season is shorter and I'll be fitter because training will be more difficult because of the humidity."

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

However, McClaren is now expected to turn to Beckham for the friendly against Brazil at Wembley on Friday 1 June and the Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia five days later.

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Should Beckham be recalled?

And the midfielder is confident the new challenge of the Major League Soccer (MLS) season will spur him on for future international call-ups.

"We only play 30 games a year so we get more time off," Beckham said.

"I had offers from two big clubs in Italy and offers from clubs in England but I just felt it was the right time to pack up and leave.

"I was honoured to have played for Manchester United for so many years and obviously Real Madrid for four years.

"But I wanted a different challenge and to me the biggest challenge was going to America and playing in the MLS and living a different lifestyle. I'm looking forward to it."

Is the door open for Beckham? I never said it was closed

Steve McClaren

McClaren left Beckham out of his first squad for the friendly against Greece last August but is now set for a dramatic U-turn.

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

"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."

Beckham has impressed with his return to form for Real and, although he has been limited to playing just three out of their last 10 matches, he has been influential.

The midfielder is expected to play on Saturday when La Liga chasing Madrid host Deportivo Coruna, 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.

Hear the full David Beckham interview on Five Live's 606 show on Saturday 26 May at 1800 BST.