Beckham back for England
David Beckham will be hoping to win his 100th England cap at Euro 2008
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Thursday, 15, Nov 2007 10:10
David Beckham will win his 98th England cap tomorrow night after the midfielder was recalled to face Austria in Vienna.
The former England captain will line-up in midfield alongside Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, and the returning Frank Lampard.
Beckham has just returned for his club LA Galaxy after recovering from a long-term injury. But McClaren insisted he had no hesitation in selecting the 32-year-old.
"He's (Beckham) always kept himself fit but Friday's game is important for him," said McClaren, who also defended his decision to pick Lampard ahead of Aston Villa star Gareth Barry.
"It's a friendly, so I'm looking at different personnel. Gareth Barry has performed excellently in the last three games but Frank's form since he has come back from injury has been a revelation - he has played some of the best football I've seen him play."
McClaren has decided not to put Micah Richards in central defence in the absence of Rio Ferdinand and John Terry. The Manchester City teenager will start at right-back with Joleon Lescott partnering Sol Campbell in the middle. Wayne Bridge has been picked at left-back.
Aston Villa keeper Scott Carson will make his debut. "Scott Carson has been around the squad for a long time," said the England boss. "The game will be an ideal opportunity for him to experience international football."
Liverpool striker Peter Crouch will partner Michael Owen up-front in the absence of the injured Wayne Rooney.