Former skipper earns England recall

David Beckham has been recalled to the England squad for the friendly international against France in Paris on Wednesday.

It presents the former captain with the opportunity to win his 100th cap after he was left out of Fabio Capello's first game in charge against Switzerland.

Beckham's lack of match fitness in February kept him on the sidelines, but his return to pre-season action with LA Galaxy has persuaded Capello to include him in an initial 30-man party.

Young Arsenal striker Theo Walcott has been included, while highly-rated Middlesbrough defender David Wheater earns his first call-up after a series of impressive displays.

Portsmouth full-back Glen Johnson has been selected, with Gabriel Agbonlahor earning his chance after missing out on the Switzerland game through injury.

Experienced Chelsea duo John Terry and Frank Lampard are back after missing the Swiss clash through injury.

Capello named Steven Gerrard as captain in Terry's absence last time out, and it remains to be seen whether the Liverpool skipper will retain the armband.

The 30-man squad will be trimmed to 23 on Saturday evening by the Italian tactician.

England squad:

Goalkeepers: James (Portsmouth), Carson (Aston Villa), Kirkland (Wigan).

Defenders: Bridge (Chelsea), A Cole (Chelsea), Wheater (Middlesbrough), Ferdinand (Man Utd), Johnson (Portsmouth), Terry (Chelsea), Brown (Man Utd), Lescott (Everton), Upson (West Ham), Woodgate (Spurs).

Midfielders: Barry (Aston Villa), Lampard (Chelsea), Gerrard (Liverpool), Beckham (LA Galaxy), Jenas (Spurs), Hargreaves (Man Utd), J Cole (Chelsea), Young (Aston Villa), Downing (Middlesbrough), Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Bentley (Blackburn).

Strikers: Walcott (Arsenal), Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Owen (Newcastle), Rooney (Man Utd), Crouch (Liverpool), Defoe (Portsmouth).