Veteran duo win England recalls

The Portsmouth pair, who have not featured for their country since the 2006 World Cup, were among a massive 28-strong party confirmed by McClaren this afternoon.

Back in the fold: Sol Campbell and David James

Uncapped Newcastle youngster Steven Taylor was also selected, as was Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, even though he will not play after fracturing a toe in Toulouse this week.

However there was no place for Blackburn's David Bentley, with McClaren confirming his omission was a direct result of his refusal to play for the Under-21s side at this summer's UEFA Under-21s European Championships.

At the time, Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce was furious with Bentley because his withdrawal came so late it left him unable to bring in a replacement.

Although the anger directed towards the former Arsenal wide-man has now subsided, McClaren telephoned him this morning to explain the reasons behind his omission, although he made it clear the punishment was for one game only.

"I spoke to David today and explained my decisions for leaving him out of the squad this time," McClaren told www.thefa.com

"This followed a conversation I had with him before he made his decision to withdraw from the European Under-21 Championships in Holland.

"I made it clear today that I was disappointed with his decision not to travel to the tournament with his team-mates. That is why he was left out of today's squad for the Germany game.

"As far as I am concerned, that is the end of the matter.

"It is up to David now to work hard to be included for the future qualifying matches. He is a player with a lot of ability who did very well for the B team against Albania at Burnley in May.

"I have told him I will be keeping a close eye on his form before naming the squads for the autumn fixtures."

Gerrard, meanwhile, will have his fitness assessed by England's medical staff in conjunction with their Liverpool counterparts.

While Gerrard will report for duty, it seems highly unlikely the midfielder will play any part.

However, McClaren would like his vice-captain to join up to be part of the planned debrief to cover the positive aspects of a summer programme which revived hopes of a successful end to the Euro 2008 qualification campaign.

The same is also true of skipper John Terry, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Owen, none of whom have played for their club sides so far this season, while David Beckham is expected to make the journey after completing his first full 90 minutes for LA Galaxy in midweek.

The cost of Bentley's decision to sit out this summer's Under-21 tournament, when England reached the semi-finals, only to lose in a mammoth penalty shoot-out with host nation Holland, can be seen by Taylor's elevation to senior ranks.

McClaren was hugely impressed by Taylor's contribution to England's campaign and although he was part of the under-21 squad Pearce announced yesterday for the friendly with Romania in Bristol, the Greenwich-born youngster, capped by his country at four different youth levels, will now sidestep that commitment.

Call up: Newcastle defender Steven Taylor

"Steven has been playing very well for Newcastle and was outstanding during the under-21s' tournament in Holland," said McClaren.

"He was with us for the B game against Albania at the end of last season and I was hugely impressed with his attitude and ability."

McClaren made it clear the current squad would provide the backbone of the men he calls on next month when England tackle Israel and Russia in a Wembley double-header which will prove crucial to the Three Lions hopes of making it to Austria and Switzerland next summer.

To that end, the omissions of injured duo Jonathan Woodgate and Gary Neville appear significant in respect of their likely recovery dates.

Tottenham trio Michael Dawson, Ledley King and Aaron Lennon are out, as is Manchester United's Wayne Rooney.

Given the size of McClaren's squad, Joleon Lescott will be disappointed not to have received a call.

For James and Campbell though, there is a reward for an excellent 12 months with Portsmouth and a refusal, even at 37 and 32 respectively, to accept their international days were over.

"Sol is a player with vast experience at international level, who had a very strong season at Portsmouth last year," observed McClaren.

"I always maintained that I was not closing the door on Sol. I know he won't let England down and I am very pleased to welcome him back into the squad.

"David showed excellent and consistent form for Portsmouth last season, that is why he is back in the squad.

"His attitude and professionalism has been first class throughout this period. I also watched him in action this week against Manchester United. He is a top-class goalkeeper and deserves his recall."