Updated: March 20, 2008, 2:51 PM EST 69 comments

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Beckham was overlooked for coach Fabio Capello's debut win over Switzerland last month because the former captain wasn't playing during Major League Soccer's offseason.

But he returned to action for the Los Angeles Galaxy in last week's preseason friendly against FC Dallas, which was watched by Capello's assistant coach, and named in a 30-man provisional squad.

"I always said that when David Beckham was fit he could be in the squad," Capello said. "I have had good reports on him from Franco Baldini, who watched him on Saturday night, and also from his club.

"I know a lot about David Beckham and what he can offer the team."

Even though the squad will be trimmed to 23 after the weekend's Premier League matches, Beckham will face tough competition for a place on the right of midfield from David Bentley, Theo Walcott and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Walcott was recalled almost two years after making his only appearance, while Bentley impressed when he started in the 2-1 win over Switzerland.

Capello named largely the same squad as he did for the that match, but recalled John Terry and Frank Lampard after they returned to fitness, and drafted in Middlesbrough defender David Wheater for the first time.

"Theo Walcott and David Wheater are two good young players who have done very well for the under-21s this season and when I have seen them play for their clubs," Capello said.

The 32-year-old Beckham is desperate to become just the fifth player to reach a century of England appearances.

Beckham was dropped by Capello's predecessor, Steve McClaren, after the 2006 World Cup and missed nine England matches. He was recalled a year later following a string of poor results.

Beckham remained in the team through the remainder of England's unsuccessful attempt to qualify for the European Championship, but missed out on Capello's first squad even though he was training with Arsenal in an effort to stay fit.

Bentley or Wright-Phillips seem the most likely starters at Stade de France, with Beckham just returning to action and Walcott having made crucial interventions as a substitute for Arsenal this season.

The speedy Arsenal forward set up the crucial second goal for Emmanuel Adebayor in a 2-0 Champions League win at defending champion AC Milan two weeks ago, but has not played an international since becoming the youngest player to represent England - playing a warmup for the 2006 World Cup at 17 years and 175 days.

Walcott made it into the World Cup squad but never played at the tournament. He was left out of Capello's first squad so that he could play for the under-21 team.

Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor was picked again after withdrawing from the Switzerland match because of an injury, joining Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Walcott among the attackers.

With Terry healthy, Capello has to decide whether to restore him as captain or let midfielder Steve Gerrard continue in the role after he led the team against the Swiss.

But the coach may not even decide to play Terry alongside Rio Ferdinand on Wednesday, with the in-form Joleon Lescott among those pushing for a place in central defense.

And the 21-year-old Wheater's form has been so good for Boro that manager Gareth Southgate let Jonathan Woodgate join Tottenham in January, although Woodgate was also in the squad alongside fellow central defenders Ferdinand, Matthew Upson, Lescott and Terry.

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Squad:

Goalkeepers: David James (Portsmouth), Scott Carson (Aston Villa), Chris Kirkland (Wigan)

Defenders: Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), David Wheater (Middlesbrough), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), John Terry (Chelsea), Wes Brown (Manchester United), Joleon Lescott (Everton), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Matthew Upson (West Ham), Jonathan Woodgate (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham), Owen Hargreaves (Manchester United), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Ashley Young (Aston Villa), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), David Bentley (Blackburn)

Forwards: Theo Walcott, (Arsenal), Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Michael Owen (Newcastle), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Portsmouth)