Morning:
8°c
With a single dessert and just two glasses of wine our bill was kept in check - but the effort of doing so was not much fun
New: David Miliband rejects the chance to become the EU's high representative, according to reports
More...
England send SOS to their former skipper Beckham
Last updated at 09:07am on 25.05.07Steve McClaren on Thursday night revealed that David Beckham is on the verge of a dramatic return to the England squad.
England's under-fire head coach, who discarded the Real Madrid midfielder when he succeeded Sven Goran Eriksson last August, is preparing to recall Beckham for next Friday's friendly against Brazil and the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia on June 6.
Scroll down to read more:
In with a shout: Beckham is set for a recall 11 months after his last England cap
Senior England players are not opposed to Beckham's return but McClaren's coaching staff are divided over the prospect of him adding to his 94 caps.
McClaren said: "We need experience in Estonia. Playing in the Champions League and cup finals is one thing, but England is a huge step up and we need players with the experience to do that — especially now we need to win this game."
McClaren, who is preparing for Friday evening's England B game against Albania at Turf Moor, will continue his deliberations with his coaching staff before announcing the squad on Saturday.
McClaren's senior aides expect Beckham, 32, to be in it. The England head coach said: "There has been a lot of speculation about him but everyone will find out on Saturday morning if he's in the squad — you can all look forward to that.
"It's not an issue now but it may be after Saturday. I go around and keep my eye on everybody and David's form has been monitored. The door's never been closed."
England have had a disastrous start to the Euro 2008 campaign and McClaren faces the sack if they slip up in Estonia next month.
He has lost three experienced players — Gary Neville, Ashley Cole and Andy Johnson — with ankle injuries, while Wayne Rooney is suspended.
McClaren was heavily criticised by supporters during the 0-0 draw with Israel and the 3-0 victory over Andorra in March but he insists it has made him more determined to succeed.
McClaren said: "Sometimes you have to go through adversity. But there was a great feeling in the dressing room after the Andorra game because we came through a hostile atmosphere.
"I'm determined to turn things around. It always concerns me that we're not delivering what the public want but, in general, the support has been fantastic. The last thing I want or expect is sympathy."
Reader views (4)
Beyond all the hype, beyond all the marketing and brand management, beyond all the daily hysteria, was Beckham really that good for England, anyway?
- Steve R, London, UK
Yeah, David and helpless, the last thing our current blisteringly successful England squad need is an experienced and in-form player with an unparalleled history of getting us through qualifying tournaments! Who cares if we don't make Euro 2008, we're looking to the future... oh, hang on.
- Squidboy, UK
Bringing Beckham back will be the nail in McClaren's coffin
- David Barnes, Leyland Lancashire
Please, god, NO!
- Helpless, London
