England's Soccer: Owen backs Beckham recall

LONDON (AFP) - Newcastle striker Michael Owen has backed former Real Madrid team-mate David Beckham's return to the England squad.
The pair, who spent a season together at the Santiago Bernabeu before Owen transfered to Newcastle, will play together for the first time since last year's World Cup in Saturday's friendly against Brazil.
And while Owen has been away from England duty due to injury, Beckham's absence owed to manager Steve McClaren's desire to take the team in a new direction.
LONDON (AFP) - Newcastle striker Michael Owen has backed former Real Madrid team-mate David Beckham's return to the England squad.
The pair, who spent a season together at the Santiago Bernabeu before Owen transfered to Newcastle, will play together for the first time since last year's World Cup in Saturday's friendly against Brazil.
And while Owen has been away from England duty due to injury, Beckham's absence owed to manager Steve McClaren's desire to take the team in a new direction.