Speculation is growing that the Real Madrid star could be named for next month's must-win Euro 2004 qualifier with Estonia after almost a year in the international wilderness.

But McClaren, who axed Beckham after taking over from Sven Goran Eriksson following England's World Cup failure last summer, gave little away when probed on the subject ahead of Friday's B international friendly with Albania.

"There has been a lot of speculation about David and quite a few other people," said the England coach.

"I'm naming the squad on Saturday morning and everybody will find out then. Before then I've got a game to get through.

"I've got to check on the Liverpool players after the Champions League final and make sure the Manchester United and Chelsea players are available.

"I've got to put everything together and then name a squad on Saturday."

Newcastle striker Michael Owen will make his first appearance for his country on Friday since limping out of last summer's World Cup with cruciate knee ligament damage.

Owen, who scored in England's last game against Albania six years ago, has managed just four hours and seven minutes of Premiership action this season.

But the 27-year-old veteran of 80 caps insists he is fitter than ever -- and McClaren cannot wait to see him back in action.

Providing he comes through Friday's game at Burnley unscathed then Owen is likely to figure in England's first full international at the new Wembley against Brazil on June 1 followed by the Estonia qualifier on June 6.

McClaren, who will be without suspended striker Wayne Rooney for Estonia, said: "We have missed Michael.

"One of our problems over the last year is that we haven't scored enough goals. Michael is a player who sticks the ball in the back of the net and who wins you matches."

Owen, scorer of 36 England goals, admitted he had endured a frustrating 12 months, but is relishing the opportunity of representing his country once again.

"You never want to get injured and I don't know any players who are good patients," said Owen, who will partner Manchester United's Alan Smith in attack against Otto Baric's Albania.

"But I've coped fine with it. I've tried to turn it into a positive experience

McClaren endured a barrage of abuse from fans and the media following England's last outing, an unimpressive 3-0 victory over Euro minnows Andorra in Barcelona in March.

But the coach, speaking for the first time since that game, insists the thought of quitting never once entered his head.

"Sometimes you have to go through the bad times to appreciate the good times," added McClaren.

"What impressed me was the second half performance of the players. After the game there was a great feeling among the players and the staff that we had come through.

"It was a hostile atmosphere and it was a difficult game. That was a test and the players came through it.

"We had a good feeling after the game that we were going to prove people wrong and turn things around.

"I still believe that.

"Nobody likes what we had to endure during that 90 minutes.

"But that's football and everybody has their opinion. Everyone has the right to voice that.

"All we can do is perform and do our best and try and win matches."