As predicted, McClaren named Beckham in his 26-man squad for next week's friendly against Brazil and the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia five days later.

Although the decision had been widely expected, it has still come as something of a shock given McClaren's very public axing of the 32-year-old immediately after he succeeded Sven-Goran Eriksson as coach.

Having omitted Beckham from all nine of his squads so far, it hardly seems wise to bring him back now, just weeks before he quits Real Madrid for a new life in the United States with Major League Soccer outfit Los Angeles Galaxy.

McClaren has admitted he gave little thought to the future when reaching his decision, knowing victory in Tallinn is imperative, not just to England's chances of reaching next summer's Finals in Austria and Switzerland, but also to his hopes of remaining in a job.

But the former Middlesbrough boss rejected claims he was merely hoping Beckham would save his own skin, stating the decision to resurrect the footballing icon's international future was taken after the friendly defeat to Spain at Old Trafford in February.

"It is not a panic measure, we have thought about it long and hard," said McClaren.

"After the Spain game, we looked at the situation and re-assessed where we were because that get-together and game were such a big disappointment.

"We were looking at the possibility of changing things around, so David came into our thinking and reckoning then.

"We were monitoring his progress and he was under consideration for the Israel game but unfortunately, he got injured."

Although McClaren has not actually seen Beckham play in person this season, two planned trips to the Spanish capital cancelled at late notice, the pair met in London 10 days ago.

The former Manchester United star responded positively to McClaren's overtures and his place in the starting line-ups against Brazil and Estonia is now virtually certain, even if the coach is unrepentant about the original decision to drop him.

"David is passionate about coming back and playing for his country," he said.

"I don't think I was wrong to leave him out and I would not go back on that decision.

"But I said at the time you can never close the door on anyone.

"Situations change. Since the New Year, David has demonstrated a great appetite and hunger.

"His passing and crossing are excellent, he is looking fit and is performing well.

"Some people may think it is a brave decision to bring him back, others might feel it is stupid.

"But he will strengthen our team and I believe he will help us beat Estonia, which is the most important thing right now. At this stage, we are not looking beyond that."

McClaren's decision has been shaped by the belated acknowledgement that playing Steven Gerrard on the right wing, as he did at the start of his reign, is a waste of England's number one talent.

A number of alternatives have been looked at, including Aaron Lennon, who is almost certain to withdraw from McClaren's squad with the knee injury he sustained against Albania last night, but none have come close to filling the void.

Ironically, Beckham is joined in the squad by uncapped Blackburn youngster David Bentley, who may turn out to have more in common with his fellow right-sided player than just his initials.

However, given the importance of the Estonia fixture in particular, now is hardly the time to throw Bentley into the fray.

The same could also be true of Reading's Nicky Shorey - the only other new face in the England party - which makes Wayne Bridge a firm favourite to fill the left-back vacancy created by Ashley Cole's absence with a knee injury.

McClaren has also lost Owen Hargreaves, Gary Neville, Micah Richards, Andrew Johnson and Jonathan Woodgate to various fitness problems, while Wayne Rooney's suspension for the Estonia encounter meant it was pointless to name the Manchester United youngster against Brazil.

Rooney's absence just makes it all the more of a relief for McClaren that Michael Owen is getting back to full fitness again after finally recovering from the cruciate ligament injury he suffered at the World Cup.

And, with Alan Smith available for the first time during his reign and Joe Cole for only the second, McClaren feels there is a freshness about his squad that can trigger an immediate upturn in fortune.

"Having Michael, Joe, Alan and David (Beckham) is like having four new signings," he said.

"They all epitomise the passion of playing for your country and I believe players of that calibre will help us win in Estonia."