Beckham to play on England right

By Simon Austin

Beckham impressed on the right for Real against Olympiakos

England captain David Beckham will revert to the right side of midfield for England's World Cup qualifier against Austria, BBC Sport understands.

Beckham controversially played in central midfield in a 4-5-1 formation against Wales and Northern Ireland.

But he has been superb on the right for Real Madrid in recent weeks and will stay there for England on 8 October.

Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is scheduled to name his squad for the games against Austria and Poland on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Eriksson is concerned that Joe Cole has not been playing regularly for Chelsea.

Cole is a strong contender to play on the left side of a 4-4-2 against Austria, but he has not completed 90 minutes for his club yet this season.

His Chelsea colleague Shaun Wright-Phillips, who provides an alternative to Cole for both club and country, has also not been a first choice since his move to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Eriksson has already hinted that he will revert to 4-4-2 against Austria after his experiment with 4-5-1 failed.

I have player backing - Eriksson

Peter Crouch has emerged as favourite to partner Michael Owen up front against Austria at Old Trafford in the absence of the suspended Wayne Rooney.

England's management have been very impressed with the form of the towering Liverpool striker so far this season.

He was highly effective in the 0-0 draw against Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday and drew six fouls from defender Ricardo Carvalho.

Beckham has been in sensational form lately and should be England 's key man From I Have your say on 606

However, central defence could prove a contentious area for the England coach.

Rio Ferdinand and Jamie Carragher played there in the qualifiers against Wales and Northern Ireland, but Sol Campbell and John Terry are now back from injury and have been in excellent form.

Ferdinand, in contrast, has been criticised for some lacklustre recent performances for both Manchester United and England.

Campbell, who has 65 caps, said: "I'm ready, it's as simple as that. Of course I've missed it. I'm coming back. It has been a long road. The main thing is I'm fit.

"I'm getting stronger, so are my heart and lungs. My game is getting better and better, the focus - it is all good."

Midfielder Danny Murphy, who has been a key figure in Charlton's excellent start to the season, has been tipped for a recall.

Eriksson will watch him in action against Tottenham at The Valley on Saturday.

West Ham full-back Paul Konchesky could also earn a call-up as cover for left-back Ashley Cole.