Henry hailed Beckham as Real Madrid's "most consistent player"

Beckham has not played international football since Steve McClaren became head coach after last year's World Cup.

But, with England due to play Brazil on 1 June ahead of a Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia, Henry told the BBC: "He has never dropped his quality.

"He has been the most consistent player at Real Madrid. Maybe his quality was not appreciated with England before."

England have failed to impress in their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign under McClaren, drawing against Macedonia and Israel and losing to Croatia to leave them fourth in Group E.

And Henry said: "What Beckham has done at Real Madrid has been unbelievable.

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"I don't want to say anything controversial, because to be the England manager is probably the hardest job in the country and you have to respect Steve McClaren's choice.

"But maybe when David was playing for England, people took him for granted. As soon as he's not playing people call for him to be recalled and that speaks volumes.

"The guy has been magnificent for English football."

Beckham added to the BBC: "Whether the chance will come up to play for England again, who knows.

"I've been so honoured to play and captain my country as many times as I have and everyone knows how I feel about playing for my country.

"If that chance comes, I've always said I'd be ready but let's wait and see."

Beckham has worked hard for Real Madrid in recent weeks

Coach Steve McClaren's U-turn means Beckham, 32, is set to start Friday's friendly against Brazil followed by the Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia.

Fit-again Newcastle striker Michael Owen returns in place of Wayne Rooney, who is suspended for the Estonia game.

Reading's Nicky Shorey, David Bentley of Blackburn and Chelsea's Joe Cole are also included in the 26-man squad.

Interview: England boss Steve McClaren

And Manchester United forward Alan Smith also figures after scoring the opening goal in the England B win over Albania.

Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon is selected despite picking up a knock in that 3-1 victory at Burnley's Turf Moor.

But the Spurs midfielder could find his opportunities limited with Beckham back in the fold.

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Head coach Steve McClaren told BBC Sport: "Everyone knows David's attributes and he's a big-game player who can help us win in Estonia.

"We've a very important game in Estonia, we need to win it and it is a squad that can win it."

Real Madrid midfielder Beckham last played for England in the World Cup quarter-final defeat against Portugal last June, after which he resigned the captaincy, and has not been selected in any of McClaren's nine previous squads.

McClaren also played down reports that senior members of his squad did not want Beckham recalled.

But he refused to be drawn on whether the former captain's move to Major League Soccer in the summer would hinder his international prospects in the long term.

"Everybody's professional and we've a