Former captain David Beckham [ Images ] was recalled to England's [ Images ] squad on Saturday for next week's friendly with Brazil [ Images ] and the Euro 2008 [ Images ] qualifier in Estonia on June 6.

It is the first time the Real Madrid [ Images ] midfielder has been included in the squad since coach Steve McClaren took over from Sven Goran Eriksson after last year's World Cup.

"David Beckham I believe will help us win in Estonia and that's why I picked him," McClaren told Sky Sports television. "He was absolutely delighted as I knew he would be.

"He has been a real professional throughout. He's coming into form and deserved to be in."

McClaren named a 26-man squad which also includes striker Michael Owen [ Images ] for the first time since he sustained a serious knee injury on England duty in the World Cup in Germany [ Images ].

Blackburn Rovers midfielder David Bentley and Reading defender Nicky Shorey have also been named for the first time after impressive displays in Friday's 3-1 victory in a B international against Albania in which Owen also played.

Chelsea [ Images ] midfielder Joe Cole [ Images ], who has only recently returned to action after an injury-hit season, rejoins the squad after a long period away from the international scene.

England play Brazil next Friday in their first international at the new Wembley Stadium before visiting Estonia for their key Euro 2008 Group E qualifying match in June.