Fabio Capello believes David Beckham still has much to offer the England team after including the midfielder in his provisional squad to play France next week.

Beckham will be hopeful of winning his 100th cap in Paris on Wednesday, while Arsenal's Theo Walcott and David Wheater, Middlesbrough's central defender, have also been called up to the squad.

Capello had sent Franco Baldini, his number two, to the USA to watch Beckham in action in a pre-season friendly, and also spoke to Ruud Gullit, his coach at Los Angeles Galaxy.

"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."

Capello said the fact England under-21s have a friendly rather than competitive game next week allowed him to pick Walcott, 19, and Wheater, 21.

He added: "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.

"Stuart Pearce has given me excellent recommendations on both players. Next week Stuart has a friendly match so it is a good opportunity for us to consider some of the younger players for the senior squad."

He added: "I saw Michael Owen play for Newcastle on Monday at Birmingham. I felt he looked sharp, very alive and it was good to see him scoring.

"I should also mention Joe Cole who I thought was excellent last night for Chelsea in a very exciting game. He had a massive impact."

Most of the focus will be on Beckham though and the 32-year-old has convinced Capello that he is fit enough after several pre-season games with Los Angeles Galaxy.

It also seems very unlikely that Capello will not keep him in his thinned-down 23-man squad that he will confirm on Saturday evening.

Alexi Lalas, the Galaxy president and general manager, insisted Beckham is fit and "ready to go". "He's a great player and I think he would help any national team in the world," Lalas said. "At the Galaxy we are so proud having any of our players called up, especially David because it could be his 100th cap."

"I'm telling you right now, you are getting a player who is healthy, fit, motivated and ready to help England. He's ready to go."

Walcott's inclusion was also anticipated as the 19-year-old's recent performances for Arsenal, including a notable cameo against AC Milan, were known to have caught Capello's eye.

The teenager made his first and last appearance for England under Sven-Goran Eriksson two years ago, when he became the youngest England international.

"I celebrated my 19th birthday on Sunday, so the call-up is a great birthday present for me," Walcott said. "I'm looking forward to meeting up with all of the lads after the weekend's game".

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