US-based soccer star David Beckham has been recalled to the England squad for the final Euro 2008 qualifying match against Croatia. The LA Galaxy man´s national side are rated as 20/1 chances to claim Euro 2008 – but face an uphill struggle to qualify.
England captain John Terry misses the match through injury as well as the friendly game versus Austria five days earlier. Manager Steve McClaren was pinning his hopes on the 26-year-old defender recovering from the knee injury he picked up in training.
It means McClaren is now staring a defensive crisis in the face with other first choice central defender Rio Ferdinand suspended for the Wembley decider on November 21.
However, McLaren will be heartened by the news that Chelsea's Ashley Cole and ManchesterCity's Micah Richards have been ruled fit for selection after respective ankle and knee injuries.
There is no spot for Jonathan Woodgate of Middlesbrough. He is replaced by Everton's Joleon Lescott who hangs onto his place.
McLaren travelled to the United States last week to check on the progress of Beckham. to the LA Galaxy mid-fielder and has been able to include him in his squad. It´s the first appearance for the former Man Utd and Real Madrid star since the 2-1 friendly defeat by Germany at Wembley back in August.
England squad for the friendly against Austria on Friday, November 16 and the Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia on Wednesday, November 21: Robinson (Tottenham), James (Portsmouth), Carson (Liverpool, on loan at Aston Villa); Richards (Man City), P Neville (Everton), Brown (Man Utd), Campbell (Portsmouth), Lescott (Everton), A Cole (Chelsea), Bridge (Chelsea), Shorey (Reading); Beckham (LA Galaxy), Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Bentley (Blackburn), Lampard (Chelsea), Gerrard (Liverpool), Barry (Aston Villa), J Cole (Chelsea), Downing (Middlesbrough), Hargreaves (Man Utd), Young (Aston Villa); Owen (Newcastle), Rooney (Man Utd), Crouch (Liverpool), Smith (Newcastle), Defoe (Tottenham).
