Beckham Recalled

After being out of the England team since the 2006 World Cup, where he captained the side to the quarterfinals, scoring his trademark free kicks along the way, Real Madrid midfielder, David Beckham, former Manchester United captain, who is heading to Los Angeles Galaxy next season, was recalled by England manager Steve McClaren for their upcoming matches against Brazil and Estonia.

The match against Brazil is a friendly, the first international match to be played at the new Wembley after the FA Cup final and the promotion playoffs. The match against Estonia, however, is a crucial EURO 2008 qualifier for England after their poor run in recent matches. They need to win almost all of their remaining two games to finish in one of the two qualification spots in their group.

"We've got a very big game coming up," McClaren said. "We need to win and I have to pick a squad capable of doing that. That's why I've included David.

"I've looked at David over recent months and since Christmas his form has been very good. I think he can help us win against Estonia.

"As time has gone on I felt we needed experience for the Estonia game. David provides that and he's in very good form. The team needs that.

"It is my decision and it is the decision I think is best for England to produce a winning team that the fans can be proud of."

McClaren had marked his arrival as manager by dumping David Beckham. Now, as the stakes are rising, he appears to have finally made what is doubtless the right decision.