Fabio Capello believes David Beckham still has much to offer the England team after including him in his provisional squad to play France.Beckham will be hopeful of winning his 100th cap in Paris on Wednesday, while Arsenal's Theo Walcott and Middlesbrough's central defender David Wheater have also been called up to the squad.

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

The England coach said: "I always said that when David Beckham was fit he could be in the squad.

"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."

Capello also made special mention of Michael Owen and Joe Cole in matches he watched this week.

"I saw Michael Owen play for Newcastle on Monday at Birmingham," said the Italian. "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 for Chelsea in a very exciting game. He had a massive impact."

Portsmouth striker Jermain Defoe has also been included while Chelsea pair John Terry and Frank Lampard, who missed Capello's first game in charge due to injury, are also in.

Those named in Capello's first 30-man squad in January who miss out this time are Micah Richards and Curtis Davies, both injured, as well as Ledley King, Nicky Shorey, Michael Carrick and Emile Heskey.

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