Beckham recalled to England squad

Former captain David Beckham was recalled to England's squad on Saturday for next week's friendly with Brazil and the Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia on June 6.

It is the first time the Real Madrid midfielder has been included in the squad since coach Steve McClaren took over from Sven Goran Eriksson after last year's World Cup.

Beckham is by far the most notable member of a 26-man squad, which includes Aaron Lennon even though the Tottenham Hotspur winger is almost certain to miss out after twisting a knee in last night's B international against Albania at Turf Moor.

Ashley Cole, Gary Neville, Andrew Johnson, Micah Richards, Owen Hargreaves and Ben Foster are all absent through injury, while Wayne Rooney - who was suspended for the Estonia game anyway - was not considered.

Having selected Beckham, it is impossible to envisage McClaren not starting with him against Brazil.

Although McClaren felt he needed to make a statement of intent about moving on from the Sven-Goran Eriksson era, with results going against him, bringing back the prodigal son was always on the cards.

Preston North End's David Nugent misses out, despite scoring on his debut against Andorra in March, but Joe Cole is available, while Blackburn Rovers' David Bentley and Reading's Nicky Shorey are handed their first senior calls.