The great Beckham debate: Converted Capello says England must follow his lead

Now Real Madrid are top of the league and Beckham is back on top of his game. Just like Steve McClaren, Fabio Capello dropped Beckham. Then Capello recalled him and now McClaren may do the same when he names his squad for the two matches against Brazil at Wembley and away to Estonia in a Euro 2008 qualifier.

Scroll down to read more:

On Friday, Capello paid tribute to Beckham's return to form - and on Saturday the spotlight will fall on McClaren.

Capello admitted that bringing Beckham back into the fold, having said he would never pick him again, was one of the major reasons why Madrid are marching towards the top of the league.

And with a nod to McClaren, the winner of six league titles in Spain and Italy admitted that he could not understand why Beckham, who he believes is playing the best football of his career, was not being used by England

Capello said: "I don't understand how a player of this level isn't always in the international squad.

Scroll down for more:

"I spoke to Beckham about it and he told me that he still doesn't know if he's in or not. We are all waiting to find out but he is going to have to wait a little longer.

"However, I think David has never been as good as he is right now, both physically and mentally, and I've told him so.'"

A run of five straight league wins has seen Real Madrid take pole position in La Liga, and Capello used Beckham's work-rate as an example of how the right team spirit was inspiring them.

He said: "It's not only Roberto Carlos who ran 80 metres to score that 90th minute goal last weekend (in the 3-2 win against Recreativo Huelva). Beckham did it as well for the assist.

"Scoring a goal in the last minute isn't because of luck: it's because players like him are willing to work hard to make it happen.

"This international week comes at a bad time for us. It means we are going to be without Beckham for about 15 days if he's called up but we will just have to deal with it."

The praise not just for Beckham's play but for his stamina was particularly telling as doubts over whether the 32-year-old's legs can still carry him up and down the right wing for his country remain one of the biggest question-marks over his possible return.

Beckham admitted recently that he felt fitter than ever and his staying power has been matched by Real Madrid's as they have kept in sight of bitter rivals Barcelona through a hard season before finally overtaking the champions for the past two seasons two weeks ago.

Real currently have a far inferior goal difference to the Catalans, but are top by virtue of a better headto-head record this season, having beaten Barcelona at home and drawn in the Nou Camp.

UEFA Cup winners Sevilla are still in the hunt a further two points adrift, but Real have taken 24 points from a possible 27 and have been in such hot form that Beckham should finally win something at the end of his fourth full season at the Bernabeu.

Scroll down for more:

He has had a star role in four of their last five victories, having missed possibly the most dramatic game of all through suspension, when Real fought back from 3-1 down at home against Espanyol to triumph 4-3 with a last-minute winner.

There were few team-mates who stood up for the Englishman when Real refused to give him the deal he wanted and then sent him to train with the reserves in January, but this week they have been joining Capello in adding their praise.

Defender Sergio Ramos, who has scored twice from Beckham freekicks in their five-game winning streak, said: "No one in the world crosses it like David Beckham.

"His deliveries are exceptional and there is always the possibility that he will create a goal. He has been an example to everyone. He is a great team man."

Midfielder Mahamadou Diarra added: "It's a shame that he is not staying because he is so important to us."

On Saturday night Beckham faces Deportivo La Coruna in his penultimate home game for Madrid, knowing that another victory will leave him just 180 minutes from a championship medal.

That domestic aim will have to be put on hold if McClaren confirms on Saturday that Beckham will be in the squad to face Brazil on Friday and Estonia away five days later.

Beckham was almost recalled by McClaren at the start of March for Euro 2008 qualifiers in Israel and against Andorra but injured knee ligaments playing for Real Madrid which ruled him out for six weeks.

His return from that injury has been dramatic, first coming off the bench to produce a superb free-kick for Ramos to head the winner in a vital game against Valencia.

Beckham then repeated the assist the following week as Real romped to a 4-1 victory at Athletic Bilbao and his growing importance was apparent in Real's efforts to overturn a yellow card the player picked up against Bilbao that had looked set to rule him out of the following week's crucial home game against Sevilla.

The card was lifted and Beckham played and inspired a dramatic 3-2 win. He was booked against Sevilla and missed the following match against Espanyol but returned last week to provide two more assists as Real edged past Recreativo Huelva 3-2.

Capello is now on the brink of his second Spanish title in his second spell at the Bernabeu and Beckham has fewer bigger fans. Now it's just McClaren who needs convincing.

BRING HIM BACK OR LEAVE HIM OUT?

RAY WILKINS - BRING HIM BACK I have seen David play over the last three weeks for Real Madrid and I'm telling you we don't have anything better. Too old at 32? That's absolute rubbish. He's hungry and he's playing to the peak of his form and it would be folly to leave him out.

ANDY TOWNSEND - LEAVE HIM OUT I can see why the England manager might consider bringing back Beckham, but it would be a short-term decision. A friendly against Brazil and an away game in Estonia before he becomes a part-time footballer in LA?

McClaren was strong when he decided to leave him out, so what does this say about him now? Beckham was peripheral in the World Cup and I don't see what has changed.

SAM ALLARDYCE - BRING HIM BACK

Well, Steve is a mate of mine and I'm backing him all the way. But I don't think Beckham should have been left out in the first place so I would welcome his return to the squad however long it's for.

PETER REID - LEAVE HIM OUT I can understand the temptation to bring Beckham back. The boy is playing out of his skin and he obviously wants to return but it's a backward step. McClaren has to look to the future and try to dismiss the outside pressures. The Brazil game is a chance to look at players with England potential. And if we can't beat Estonia without Beckham, we are in trouble.

TREVOR FRANCIS - BRING HIM BACK

Based on recent Real Madrid form, there is no doubt he should be in the team. He has only made 16 starts for Real this season, but that can work in England's favour as so many players are tired after 60 club games.

DAVID PLEAT - LEAVE HIM OUT

He still has the quality but has not changed dramatically as a player. It would be a sign of strong management for McClaren to pick him, but I do not expect a recall.

JAMIE REDKNAPP - BRING HIM BACK

I didn't think I would be saying this. I have said No all along. Three months ago, it wasn't right, he wasn't needed. But now? Is he one of the best 22 players? Yes.

He is in decent form, I've watched him at Madrid and he looks fit and is driven by having something to prove. Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool players are out on their feet after the FA Cup and European Cup Finals.

Beckham will be fresh, because he has played so few games for his club this season, for a variety of reasons.

TERRY BUTCHER - LEAVE HIM OUT

Recalling Beckham at this stage would be a backward and unnecessary step. His days on the international stage have gone.

There is no way a player in MLS can be considered for England, so they would effectively be recalling him for a friendly and a qualifier in Estonia that they should not need Beckham to win.

He has not actually played much for Real Madrid recently, and the fact they are top while he is playing is coincidental.