McClaren to run rule over Hargreaves
England coach Steve McClaren is still expected to watch Real Madrid tackle Bayern Munich on Wednesday night even though David Beckham will not be involved.
Beckham injured his knee in Real’s draw with Getafe this weekend and while official scan results are still awaited, the setback seems certain to rob him of his chance to make a return to the international arena.
Speculation was mounting that McClaren was thinking about bringing Beckham back into the England fold for the crucial Euro 2008 double-header with Israel and Andorra later this month.
Although he said he had no specific plans to speak to a player he axed as soon as he succeeded Sven-Goran Eriksson as England coach, McClaren was due to see Beckham in action on Wednesday when Real look to defend their 3-2 first-leg Champions League lead against Bayern.
However, even though he is almost certain to be robbed of that opportunity, McClaren will still head to Germany in order to run the rule over the form of Owen Hargreaves.
In the aftermath of last month’s home friendly defeat to Spain, McClaren made it clear he sees Hargreaves as a pivotal member of his squad.
The midfielder’s presence is seen as crucial to England’s hopes of winning in Tel Aviv on March 24 to re-establish their position as favourites to qualify for next year’s finals in Austria and Switzerland.
Hargreaves did report a sore ankle following Bayern’s defeat at the Bernabeu but has since come through Bundesliga outings against Wolfsburg and Hertha Berlin.
