David Beckham has admitted that he hasn’t given up on the idea of playing for his country, despite not being part of the England squad since the World Cup Finals in July 2006.  Beckham has said he has no intention of retiring from international football, regardless of the fact that the new England manager Steve McClaren chose to drop him in order to explore other midfield options.

Beckham said, “I have always wanted to play for my country and will always be available for my country whether I am in Spain for the next four months or in Los Angeles.”

His comments follow recent reports in a Sunday newspaper that Steve McClaren had consulted senior England players over whether he should recall Beckham and pick him for the Euro 2008 qualifier in Israel next month.  The FA has since denied that any such conversation took place, but the story may have provided a brief glimmer of hope for Beckham and for those who feel he should be restored as an integral part of the England squad.

Former England captain Beckham recently returned to action for Spanish side Real Madrid, in the wake of club coach Fabio Capello threatening not to play him again following Beckham’s deflection to LA Galaxy.  However, after a third impressive display, Capello praised Beckham after his performance in the 3-2 Champions League win against Bayern Munich last night.

Beckham returned to the Madrid side recently after a six game exile that saw him out of action for almost two months.  On his comeback game against Real Sociedad, he showed Madrid what they had been missing when he scored with a twenty-five yard free kick in the 37^th minute.

And despite being sent off in injury time in Madrid’s goalless draw against Real Betis last week, Beckham left the pitch to rapturous applause – indicating that the fans are still firmly behind him.  Madrid players themselves showed their support for Beckham after club president Ramon Calderon branded him a ‘second rate actor’.  After holding talks with disgruntled players to clear the air, Calderon apologised for his comments and shortly afterwards, Beckham made a welcome return to the side.

After winning back his place in the Real Madrid team and a big money move to Los Angeles looming, could a recall to the England side be the next phase of Beckham’s revival?