Beckham “has a lot to prove”
David Beckham, who is expected to start, last played against Germany on Aug. 22.
Vienna, Austria - David Beckham has rejoined England after a four-game absence for Friday’s friendly against Austria, but “still has a lot to prove,” England coach Steve McClaren said.
Beckham, who is expected to start, last played against Germany on Aug. 22. He will earn his 98th cap Friday, but a string of recent injuries put his health in question.
The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder finally put an ankle injury behind him after joining Major League Soccer, but a late-August knee injury has limited him. He managed to play in two recent friendlies with L.A. but hasn’t proven he’s fit.
McClaren realizes the former England captain will be scrutinized, but believes the 32-year-old is ready for the challenge.
“If you know Becks well,” McClaren said, “he likes proving people wrong.”
While the Austria match is just a friendly, Beckham’s role could increase in a crucial EURO qualifier Wednesday against Croatia.
England is in danger of being eliminated from the event and its situation may get even worse Saturday if Russia defeats Israel and Croatia doesn’t lose to Macedonia.
If those two results happen Saturday, Russia just needs a win against Andorra on Wednesday to eliminate England. If Russia loses to Israel, England needs to at least tie Croatia to advance.
“Hopefully results will go for us on Saturday and we will go into the Croatia game needing to win to qualify,” McClaren said.
McClaren has continued to tinker with the squad, and he’s made a big switch by announcing 22-year-old goalie Scott Carson will make his first appearance with England on Friday.
“Scott Carson has been around the squad for a long time,” said McClaren, who is likely to put Paul Robinson back in goal against Croatia.
With defenders John Terry and Rio Ferdinand and striker Wayne Rooney out, the coach will use Friday’s friendly as an experiment to try and find the correct mix for the Croatia match.
Among Friday’s changes, central midfielder Frank Lampard will be back, Joleon Lescott will be at center back and Wayne Bridge at left back.
Sol Campbell, Joe Cole, Peter Crouch, Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen and Micah Richards are also expected to start for England.
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