Just like Sven! McClaren goes back to the midfield who flopped in World Cup

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The England coach will follow Sven Goran Eriksson's lead and pick David Beckham - who trained with his international teammates for the first time in 11 months - on the right and is also expected to name Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole for the friendly at Wembley.

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Friends reunited: Gerrard, Lampard and Beckham

McClaren is also toying with partnering Michael Owen, who has not played for England since the 2-2 draw with Sweden at the World Cup, with Manchester United striker Alan Smith.

The pair were in the same team during England's training session at London Colney and Smith's inclusion would come at the expense of Liverpool striker Peter Crouch.

Smith impressed McClaren during the England B team's 3-1 victory over Albania at Burnley last Friday.

He scored the opening goal and now appears to have moved ahead of Crouch in the coach's pecking order.

What do you think? Steve McClaren (right) has a word with Terry Venables

The United forward has not started a senior England game since the 2-1 win over the United States in May 2005, but he could deputise in the next two games for Wayne Rooney, who is suspended for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia a week.

McClaren also has serious fitness doubts over defenders Rio Ferdinand (groin) and Wayne Bridge (hip) as he enters a period that will determine his future as England's coach.

Manchester United centre back Ferdinand did not train yesterday and McClaren fears he will withdraw from the 26-man squad.

Chelsea left back Bridge is rated at no more than 50-50, but McClaren has the option of replacing him with Reading's Nicky Shorey, who also impressed for the B team.

Owen Hargreaves, who Eriksson added to his favourite midfield four for the bungled World Cup quarter-final against Portugal, is missing through injury.