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LONDON, May 26: 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.
“David Beckham I believe will help us win in Estonia and that's why I picked him,” McClaren told Sky Sports television.
“He was absolutely delighted as I knew he would be. He has been a real professional throughout. He's coming into form and deserved to be in.”
McClaren named a 26-man squad which also includes striker Michael Owen for the first time since he sustained a serious knee injury on England duty in the World Cup in Germany.
Blackburn Rovers midfielder David Bentley and Reading defender Nicky Shorey have also been named for the first time after impressive displays in Friday's 3-1 victory in a B international against Albania in which Owen also played.
Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole, who has only recently returned to action after an injury-hit season, rejoins the squad after a long period away from the international scene.
England play Brazil on Friday in their first international at the new Wembley Stadium before visiting Estonia for their key Euro 2008 Group E qualifying match in June.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Paul Robinson, Scott Carson, Robert Green.
Defenders: Phil Neville, Rio Ferdinand;,John Terry, Wayne Bridge, Wes Brown, Jamie Carragher, Michael Dawson, Ledley King, Nicky Shorey.
Midfielders: David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Jermaine Jenas, Joe Cole, Aaron Lennon, David Bentley, Michael Carrick, Frank Lampard, Stewart Downing, Kieron Dyer.
Strikers: Peter Crouch, Michael Owen, Alan Smith, Jermain Defoe.—Reuters
