Steve McClaren, the England manager, admits he has been "given a problem" by David Beckham's return to form.

The 31-year-old former England captain has forced his way back into Real Madrid's first team and has produced a string of fine performances. Beckham set up two goals as Real won a thrilling Champions League last sixteen first-leg clash against Bayern Munich last night.

"It gives me a problem, one of the problems you welcome," McClaren said. "He's being professional and performing well for his club - obviously that's a problem I would rather have than not have. It's interesting."

Beckham appeared set for months on the sidelines after Fabio Capello, the coach, claimed he would never play for the club again following his decision to join the Los Angeles Galaxy this summer. But McClaren added: "The reaction from every adversity he's ever gone through in his career, he's always bounced back and been professional and got on with his job.

"It's pleasing to see that a month ago he would never play for Real Madrid again and there he is starring in a game against Bayern Munich and being man of the match."

Beckham's upturn in form has led to a clamour for his recall to the national side, which he captained until their exit from last summer's World Cup, and the midfielder still hopes to represent his country again.

"My ambition has never changed since the age of 13, even younger," Beckham said. "I always wanted to play for my country and I will always be available whether I'm in Spain for the next four months, or whether I'm in LA," Beckham, who has 94 caps, said.

McClaren insisted he had no plans to speak to Beckham ahead of the Euro 2008 qualifiers in Israel and Andorra, but the England coach has said in the past that he would never close the door on any player.

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