David Beckham has been named in the England squad to face Spain, while Carlton Cole and James Milner have also received call-ups.
Former skipper returns to squad for friendly with Spain
David Beckham has been named in the England squad for next week's friendly against Spain.
Beckham will get the chance to win a record-equalling 108th cap for England - while Carlton Cole and James Milner could be awarded with their first after also receiving call-ups from manager Fabio Capello.
Beckham needs one more appearance for the Three Lions to match Bobby Moore's best mark for an outfield player and coach Capello has decided the 33-year-old's form on loan at AC Milan warrants an instant recall after he was omitted for the win over Germany in Berlin last November.
"Beckham is a very important player," said Capello. "The form of David is okay now, I've watched him in one game in Milan and (Italo) Galbiati and Franco Baldini saw his other games.
"He is fit now. Every player in the squad has to play, not just train. This is important for David and for us. He is better than he was six months ago."
Difference
Capello predictably sees a distinct difference in the standard of Serie A and Major League Soccer in America.
"Sure. The game is different," he said. "More pressure. It is stronger. That is the difference.
"I think he wants to stay for those reasons - it's exciting, Milan are a good team. But he has to choose."
The inclusion of Cole and Milner comes on the back of excellent performances at club level for West Ham United and Aston Villa, respectively.
England take on Spain in a friendly international in Seville on Wednesday 11th February.
Squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Green (West Ham), Hart (Man City), James (Portsmouth).
Defenders: Bridge (Man City), A Cole (Chelsea), R Ferdinand (Man Utd), Jagielka (Everton), G Johnson (Portsmouth), Terry (Chelsea), Upson (West Ham), L Young (Villa).
Midfielders: Beckham (LA Galaxy), Barry (Villa), Carrick (Man Utd), Downing (Middlesbrough), Lampard (Chelsea), Milner (Villa), Wright-Phillips (Man City), A Young (Villa).
Forwards: Agbonlahor (Villa), C Cole (West Ham), Crouch (Portsmouth), Heskey (Villa).
