Beckham back for England

Nov 15, 2007 - 9:26 PM By John Curtis Special to PA SportsTicker

VIENNA, Austria (Ticker) -- David Beckham has been included on the England roster for Friday's international friendly against Austria.

The former Manchester United star last appeared for his country in the friendly with Germany in August but has missed the previous four Euro 2008 qualifiers with a knee injury.

Beckham has been chosen by manager Steve McClaren despite his recent lack of match action and will earn his 98th cap against the Austrians.

McLaren has awarded a first cap to goalkeeper Scott Carson, who is on loan at Aston Villa this season from Liverpool.

Carson has created a favorable impression with Martin O'Neill's side and has been preferred to Paul Robinson.

But there was disappointment for Carson's Villa teammate Gareth Barry despite his encouraging displays in the recent double header with Russia and the home clash with Estonia.

The Villa skipper had to make way for Frank Lampard, who also is back in the starting lineup for the first time since the Germany game.

In total, McClaren made five changes from the side beaten 2-1 by Russia in Moscow. Shaun Wright-Phillips, the injured Wayne Rooney, the suspended Rio Ferdinand, Barry and Robinson were also missing from that lineup with Carson, Wayne Bridge, Beckham, Lampard and Peter Crouch restored to the side.

Bridge was tasting his first action since the 3-0 away win over Estonia in June - also the last game in which Crouch was in the first XI.

Joleon Lescott was awarded his third cap - but a first start in his preferred central defensive role.

The Everton player had looked ill at ease when filling in at left-back in the defeat against the Russians last month.