Football: MACCA'S BECKS U-TURN.

Byline: By MARTIN LIPTON 

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 of the problems 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 seal his renewed place in coach Fabio Capello's first team plans with a starring role in Madrid's 3-2 victory over Bayern Munich, 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 that 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.

"It's pleasing to see. A month ago he would never play for Real Madrid again and there he is starring in the game against Bayern Munich and being man of the match.

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

"He waited for his chance 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.

Recalling Beckham would be a huge call for McClaren after his decision to axe the former skipper from his first squad in August.

Previous attempts to discuss the Beckham issue have been swatted back with McClaren insisting that his side have not missed the Real Madrid man's flank delivery.

Beckham's imminent move to the USA to join LA Galaxy had appeared to end the debate.

But after England's disappointing beginning to the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign McClaren opened the possibility of a shock recall.

He said: "I've always said the door was 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):

U-TURN: Steve McClaren