Grip calls for Becks return

Tord Grip believes David Beckham can still do a job for England.

Former captain Beckham has not played for England since McClaren took charge of the side after last summer's World Cup.

But with England struggling in their last few matches and Beckham in good touch for Real Madrid, Grip believes it is time for McClaren to call on his experience.

Grip, who was Sven Goran Eriksson's right-hand man during his time as England boss, told The Sun: "You cannot build for the future if you're losing matches - and you can't afford to lose matches now.

"I think you should always pick your best players, whether you're building for the future or not.

"And Beckham was in really excellent form for Real Madrid against Bayern Munich.

"I don't know what Steve is planning to do but if Beckham continues to play like he did against Bayern, then it shows what an excellent player he still is.

"David did really well for us over the years and he looks fresh because he hasn't played that much, while the England players based in the Premiership get really tired at this time of year."

Grip is confident McClaren will still be successful, and insists he and Eriksson have taken no satisfaction from England's poor run of results.

He said: "It is not good to think like that and it would only hurt us if we did. I have never thought like that for a moment since we left.

"I loved those five-and-a-half years and I am still very much an England fan.

"This match coming up in Israel reminds me of the time we had to get a draw in Turkey. There was plenty of pressure and we came through.

"Steve's England team can do the same."