Beckham, who will move to the MLS with the Los Angeles Galaxy next month, was selected in England's 26-man squad today for the first time since last year's World Cup in Germany.

After being overlooked for England's last nine games, Beckham could play in the exhibition with Brazil at Wembley on June 1 and a 2008 European Championship qualifier at Estonia five days later.

"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.

"Since Christmas his form has been very good, I think he can help us win in Estonia and that's why I picked him. I feel at this moment, that for the Estonia game, we need experience and David certainly provides that. He is in very, very good form. The team needs that."

That suggests Beckham will go straight into the starting lineup for the Group E game, which England needs to win to stay in touch with Croatia, Israel and Russia in the race to the 2008 European Championships. Only two teams qualify from each group.

McClaren's other option for the right-wing position is Aaron Lennon. The 20-year-old Tottenham star went off after only 10 minutes of Friday's England "B" victory over Albania with a twisted knee, but has made the squad.

Since McClaren took over from Sven-Goran Eriksson after the World Cup, he said he wanted younger stars rather than established players such as Beckham, who is chasing his 95th appearance for England. If Lennon is fit, he is likely to play and Beckham could end up watching the matches from the bench.

McClaren also stressed John Terry would be the captain, rather than Beckham, who led the team 57 times.

"David comes back as David Beckham the player, that's what we want on the field, doing what we know he can do," McClaren said. "There will be debate and opinion about it, but it's my decision and a decision I think is best for England to produce a winning team that the fans can be proud of. I think David can be part of that. He's been picked in the squad and what the team is will be apparent nearer the time."