Mcclaren Hints at Beckham England Return

England manager Steve McClaren today dropped his biggest hint yet that he is considering a recall for David Beckham after admitting the former captain's return to form has given him a selection dilemma.

The 31-year-old appeared to have reached the end of his international career after McClaren cut him from his squad at the start of the season. Beckham then looked set for months on the sidelines with Real Madrid, where coach Fabio Capello claimed he would never play for the club again following his decision to join the Los Angeles Galaxy this summer.

However, Beckham has forced his way back into their first team, producing a string of fine performances which have not escaped McClaren's attentions. And now, following another impressive display in the Champions League win over Bayern Munich last night, he could even be closing in on a return for next month's Euro 2008 qualifiers.

"It gives me a problem, one of the problems you welcome," said McClaren, who has watched Beckham in action for Real recently. "He's being professional and performing well for his club - obviously that's a problem I would rather have than not have. It's interesting.

"The reaction from every adversity he's ever gone through in his career, he's always bounced back and been professional and got on with his job. It's pleasing to see that a month ago he would never play for Real Madrid again and there he is starring in a game against Bayern Munich and being man of the match."

Beckham himself is still holding out hope for an England recall. "My ambition has never changed since the age of 13, I always wanted to play for my country," he said. "I'll always be available whether I'm in Spain or whether I'm in LA."