Beckham to feature against Germany, says McClaren

WATFORD, England, Aug 21 (Reuters) England manager Steve McClaren said David Beckham was ready to play for England against Germany tomorrow despite a recent ankle injury and a long-haul flight from the US.

''He trained this morning and looked very, very good,'' McClaren said in a news conference today.

The friendly at Wembley is preparation for England's Euro 2008 qualifiers at home to group rivals Israel and Russia next month and McClaren said he was happy to have Beckham back in the squad.

''We've said right from the beginning he's back in the squad because off his performances, he'll stay in the squad because of his performances and he'll play because of his performances and that's it,'' McClaren, who axed the former captain from the squad after the 2006 World Cup finals, said.

''We'll monitor his progress in LA in the MLS and we'll monitor it when he's here.'' McClaren has already had to contend with several withdrawals, namely midfielders Steven Gerrard and Owen Hargreaves, while Everton striker Andy Johnson also pulled out today with a knee injury.

Wayne Rooney is missing with a broken foot while Peter Crouch is suspended for the match against Israel and so would be unlikely to start.

Michael Owen, who came on as a substitute for Newcastle United on Saturday, will start with Jermain Defoe or Alan Smith likely to partner him in attack.

''It's an ideal game for him to get some minutes under his belt,'' said McClaren, who confirmed that no Premier League managers had set any limits on the amount of time their players should spend on the pitch.

''I've got no qualms about picking the team,'' he said.

Defeat in Croatia last year and draws against Israel and Macedonia have left England fourth in Group E, three points behind Croatia and Israel and one behind Russia.

They play Israel on Sept 8 and host Russia four day later.

''We've cleared their heads, told them we're in a great position to qualify,'' McClaren said. ''This is an important game in preparation for Israal and Russia.'' England have only met Germany nine times in international football, the last occasion being in 2001 when England won a World Cup qualifier 5-1 in Munich.

Captain John Terry, leading the team out against Germany for the first time, told reporters: ''We can't class it as a friendly game and we are looking forward to putting on a show. Once we're out there we want to get amongst them.'' On David Beckham's jet-setting schedule, Terry added: ''I've spoken to him and he's fine... he's a great professional. He's getting his sleep in and he will deal with it in his own way.'' REUTERS BJR RK2045