McClaren praises Beckham desire
England coach Steve McClaren has praised David Beckham for earning a recall to the national squad.
Real Madrid midfielder Beckham, 32, was named in a McClaren squad for the first time on Saturday - his first inclusion since the 2006 World Cup.
McClaren said: "He showed great hunger and desire to get back. He didn't moan, just got his head down and worked hard.
"I have not made this decision for anyone, it is about form. He is the fittest I have seen for a long time."
Beckham last played for England in the World Cup quarter-final defeat against Portugal last July, after which he resigned the captaincy and has not been selected in any of McClaren's nine previous squads.
He was also dropped by Real Madrid in January after agreeing to join Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy when his contract with the Spanish side runs out at the end of the season.
But coach Fabio Capello eventually recalled Beckham and he has produced some stunning displays to lead Real to the top of La Liga, with two games left.
McClaren added: "You've got to respect the work Fabio Capello is doing at Real Madrid.
"He has had the same problems as me. He had no hesitation about bringing David back when he was on form and that has changed the fortunes of Real Madrid.
"I would be very foolish to ignore that.
"After one match, Capello said David ran 15 kilometres and the next highest figure was 12km. In another he ran 80 yards in the last minute to create a winning goal.
"I will stand or fall by this decision but anyone who has watched David closely over the last few weeks and months must understand why he is in the squad."
England have struggled without Beckham and go into the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia in Tallinn next Wednesday knowing they must win to keep alive their hopes of reaching the tournament.
McClaren believes Beckham can help England achieve their goal of staying on the path to qualification.
"I have to be pragmatic," he stated. "Everyone knows we need to win in Estonia next week. The squad I have selected is designed to do that.
"The only thing that will help me to get the support of the fans is to win football matches.
"All I've got control over is picking the squad, picking the team and getting results. If I don't I'll get criticised, if I do we move on to the next game."
