Friday, November 09, 2007

calling mr. becks (once again!)
-shame on you haters!!-

David Beckham has been recalled to the
England squad for the friendly against Austria,
and the vital Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia.

England are reliant on Russia failing to beat Israel and then earning a victory against Croatia four days later in order to qualify ofr Euro 2008.

Manager, Steve McClaren believes fit again Beckham is just the player England need to do so, "We need big-game players like David" he told BBC Sport.

Captain John Terry did not make the squad though as he is recovering from knee surgery and Rio Ferdinand is absent due to suspension.

"I believe that with the likes of Rio Ferdinand and John Terry out of the squad we are lacking experience. We need those big players with experience and David is one of those."

Despite his sides injury worries and slim prospects of qualification, McClaren remains confident of England’s chances.

"I still believe Croatia will be a big game. We have got to be positive but we are disappointed that we are in the situation where it is out of our hands - that is a big regret.

"We have got to hope that Israel, a proud nation with a great home record, get a result against Russia."

Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge also return to the squad after injury. McClaren has ensured that he has plenty cover for the left back position, as he has added Reading’s Nicky Shorey and Everton’s Joleon Lescott to the squad, who played against Russia as an emergency full back.

England play Austria in the Ernst Happel Stadion in Vienna next Friday 16 November, then face Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday 21 November.

England squad: Robinson, Carson, James, P Neville, Campbell, Richards, Brown, Lescott, Shorey, Bridge, A Cole, Beckham, Wright-Phillips, Bentley, Gerrard, Lampard, Hargreaves, Barry, J Cole, Downing, Young, Smith, Crouch, Defoe, Rooney, Owen.


courtesy of goal.com

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