Football: MACCA'S BECKHAM U-TURN.

Byline: By MARTIN LIPTON Chief Football Writer

DAVID BECKHAM was close to an England recall last night as Steve McClaren prepared to make a huge U-turn.

The England manager watched tapes of Beckham's man of the match display for Real Madrid on Tuesday in the Champions League and admitted he was close to welcoming the former skipper back into the fold.

McClaren said: "It gives me a problem, but it's one you welcome, players putting pressure on and performing well in their clubs. It's a problem I'd rather have than not have, so it will be interesting."

Only last week, McClaren had insisted he had "no plans" to see Beckham in action for Real Madrid or in next month's return to Old Trafford to play for a European Select side against Manchester United.

But after seeing Beckham's starring role in Madrid's 3-2 victory over Bayern Munich to seal his renewed place in coach Fabio Capello's first team plans, the England boss hinted he was having a major rethink.

Beckham's strength of character in proving Capello wrong was hailed by McClaren, who had previously made it clear there was no chance of the former captain coming back into his England thoughts.

Now, though, McClaren appears to have undergone a dramatic change of mind and he added: "That's what you get from David Beckham - a positive reaction to every adversity he has gone through in his career.

"He has always bounced back, been professional and got on with the job.

"A month ago it was siad he'd never play for Real Madrid again and there he is starring in the game against Bayern.

"It's typical of David Beckham and his football and the professionalism he's got. He's not complained or whinged, he's got on with his work and works hard in training.

"He waited for his opportunity and got one to get back in the Real Madrid side when a month ago everybody would have said it was impossible."

Should McClaren swallow his pride and select Beckham it would run the risk of him being seen as weak, although the other interpretation would be of him being brave enough to admit a mistake.

Previous attempts to discuss the Beckham issue have been swatted back with McClaren insisting his side have not missed him.

Beckham's imminent move to the USA appeared to end the debate, but after England's poor beginning to the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign Mc- Claren said: I've always said the door is always open to any player. There are four weeks before the squad for Israel and Andorra is announced and let's see what happens."

CAPTION(S):

BECKHAM: Could return for England; U-TURN: Steve McClaren