Beckham hopes he can still play for national team

Gary Lineker and Michael Owen believe Real Madrid's David Beckham would still be an effective player for England. David Beckham admits he is "the underdog" as he fights to reclaim his place in the England team. The 31-year-old ex-captain has not been selected for England since coach Steve McClaren succeeded Sven-Goran Eriksson. However, following the national team's poor form and their qualification for Euro 2008 looking uncertain there have been calls to restore the former England skipper.

It comes in the light of his return to the Real side after also being dropped by boss Fabio Capello and the 31-year-old believes his fighting attitude has led to the support. Beckham told The Sun newspaper: "We love it in England when we see players determined to prove people wrong. "We love it when people fight back - and I've always tried to do that.

"I'm the underdog now. Eight months ago it was being said I shouldn't be in the England team any more and my career was over. Beckham has 94 caps for England but Lineker believes it is unlikely he will reach 100 because his international career would end once and for all upon moving to America. Owen is currently recovering from a knee injury he sustained in last year's World Cup.