Beckham gets England Recall
9th November, 2007
The England squad is facing a unique situation - they may be playing a competitive game knowing that they will have already failed to make the Euro 2008 championships. If Russia beat Israel on 17th November, an England win at Wembley four days later would still not be enough for England to qualify.
England boss Steve McLaren named his squad for the two matches today:
- Keepers: Robinson, Carson, James,
- Defenders: P Neville, Campbell, Richards, Brown, Lescott, Shorey, Bridge, A Cole,
- Midfielders: Beckham, Wright-Phillips, Bentley, Gerrard, Lampard, Hargreaves, Barry, J Cole, Downing, Young,
- Strikers: Smith, Crouch, Defoe, Rooney, Owen
Beckham has recently proved his fitness with LA Galaxy, and will make his 98th and 99th appearance for his country. Captain John Terry remains out as he recovers from his knee surgery. Left back Ashley Cole returns to the squad after injury, along with Wayne Bridge who has regained fitness. Rio Ferdinand is suspended for the Croatia game and has not been considered, so Micah Richards is included despite his knee injury.
Frank Leboeuf, the former Chelsea defender, played against Beckham in a pro-celebrity charity match in Los Angeles last weekend and believes he can still make a contribution for Englan: "He seems to be sharp and seems to have the intelligence for the game. My only concern would be physically, with the speed of European football compared to what he is now used to day by day. It might be a little bit different, but I am sure he can do his bit.
England play Austria in the Ernst Happel Stadion in Vienna next Friday 16 November, then face Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday 21 November. England are a demoralising 15/8 to qualify with bet365.
