McClaren admits Beckham 'problem'

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LONDON, England -- England manager Steve McClaren has hinted that he may have a change of heart and recall former captain David Beckham to his squad for crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers.

McClaren was reacting to Beckham's return to form as he set up two of the goals in Real Madrid's 3-2 Champions League win over Bayern Munich on Tuesday night.

"It gives me a problem, one of the problems you welcome," McClaren told Sky Sports News on Wednesday.

"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."

McClaren added: "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 has already won over Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello, who had vowed never to select him again when the midfielder decided to join LA Galaxy at the end of the season in a money-spinning deal.

He played his last game for England in the quarterfinal exit to Portugal in the World Cup finals last year, giving up the captaincy after the defeat.

McClaren appeared to signal the end of Beckham's international career by leaving him out of squads and the move to Major League Soccer was seen as further evidence that there was no way back.

But Beckham's upturn in form has led to a clamor for his recall to the under-performing national side and the player himself remains optimistic.

"My ambition has never changed since the age of 13, even younger. I always wanted to play for my country and I will always be available whether I'm in Spain for the next four months, or whether I'm in LA," he said on Wednesday.

However high-profile figures in English football, such as former national manager Bobby Robson, plus former England strikers Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, have all said his move to California signaled his international "retirement." after 94 caps.

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