Beckham returns to England for big games

LONDON - David Beckham is back. England's former captain is set to make his first appearance for the national team since last year's World Cup after being named to the team by coach Steve McClaren for an exhibition match against Brazil and a European Championship qualifier against Estonia next month. "We've got a very big game in Estonia coming up that we have to win and I've got to pick a squad capable of doing that," England coach Steve McClaren said. "That's why I've picked David." The Real Madrid midfielder, who will join the Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS next month, was overlooked for England's previous nine games. After taking over from Sven-Goran Eriksson at the end of the World Cup, McClaren initially said that Beckham was not part of his plans but would still be considered. The 32-year-old Beckham played the last of his 94 international matches in the World Cup quarterfinals against Portugal on July 1, watching from the sidelines with an injured leg as his team lost a penalty shootout. Beckham has had some top quality performances for Madrid as the club challenges FC Barcelona for the Spanish league title. He is set to play for Madrid on Saturday against Deportivo La Coruna. England, fourth in qualifying behind Croatia, Israel and Russia, is without the injured Gary Neville, Micah Richards, Ashley Cole, Andrew Johnson, Owen Hargreaves and Ben Foster. Wayne Rooney is suspended for the match against Estonia and has also been left out of the friendly against Brazil. - GMANews.TV