England starting XI

Steve McClaren named his starting eleven for the friendly against Austria tomorrow night.
England team: Scott Carson, Micah Richards, Joleon Lescott, Sol Campbell, Wayne Bridge, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard (Captain), Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Michael Owen, Peter Crouch

I was disappointed to see that Gareth Barry has been replaced, even if it is with Lampard, but I would not be surprised to see him playing next week unless Lampard has a phenomenal game...
Other notable exceptions are Rooney who is injured, Fredinand (suspended), ShaunWright-Phillips and Paul Robinson.

This looks like a slightly experimental team at this juncture with a few players needing to prove themselves for the vital Croatia game, Beckham included. I would expect a slightly different starting line-up next week.

Beckham then, is set to collect his 98th cap, and much interest will be generated by his presence on the pitch, he will feel he has something to prove, this is often when he at his most dangerous. He will have option of crossing to Crouch or Owen, both top-class finishers.

A Beckham assist whipped in from the right for an early goal (header by Crouch) would settle the side and show Euro 2008 what it will be missing if this team doesn't manage to qualify. I would hope to see this followed up by a Beckham 'bend it' special free kick from the left-side a few yards outside the penalty area for goal number two, and a slipped Lampard pass for Owen's deft touch to pop the third past an unsuspecting keeper....

There's my prediction then, for what it's worth - I really hope I don't have to eat my words when the result comes in tomorrow... Either way, if Israel can't contain Russia on Saturday, it will be a disappointing blow and will make the Croatia game a 'just for pride' match as far as England are concerned. Beckham to collect cap no 99? will he ever get the chance to make it to 100??