Beckham maintains England hopes

Beckham has not featured for England under Steve McClaren, but turned in another eye-catching performance for Real Mardid against Bayern Munich.

The 31-year-old said: "My ambition has never changed since the age of 13, I always wanted to play for my country.

"I'll always be available whether I'm in Spain or whether I'm in LA."

Beckham has won over Real coach Fabio Capello, who vowed never to pick him again when the England skipper opted to join LA Galaxy at the end of the season.

He will now be hoping he can do the same with McClaren, who has snubbed Beckham since his appointment as England coach after last summer's World Cup.

The Football Association issued a denial to reports that McClaren had consulted senior England players on a possible recall for Beckham.

McClaren said he had no plans to speak to Beckham ahead of the Euro 2008 qualifier in Israel, but the England coach has said in the past that he would neve close the door on any player.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
FIFA
Football on the BBC
Your say - 606
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites