Steve McClaren's will-he, won't-he dilemma over an England recall for David Beckham has raised an intriuging question mark over the coach's long-term midfield plan.

The squad McClaren announces today for the June 1 friendly with Brazil and the crucial Euro 2008 trip to Estonia five days later is probably the most eagerly-awaited since the former Middlesbrough manager succeeded Sven-Goran Eriksson last summer.

A recall for Beckham, who has not figured in any of McClaren's nine squads so far, would have a major impact on Steven Gerrard's role, which then leaves Frank Lampard's involvement open to debate.

One of the central reasons why McClaren axed Beckham was his belief Gerrard could operate effectively in the right-sided station Eriksson's trusted captain had vacated.

Having apparently reached the conclusion Owen Hargreaves was required to anchor England's midfield, Gerrard was moved out onto the wing, allowing Lampard the freedom to attack from a central position.

Given Lampard has scored just once during that time - in August's friendly win over Greece - the move can hardly be described as a roaring success.

And, when Lampard pulled out of the win over Andorra in March, it was Gerrard, shifted back into the centre, who single-handedly hauled England out of trouble with two second half goals in Barcelona when McClaren's men - mercilessly jeered by their own supporters - looked to be heading for a catastrophic draw.

So, if Beckham returns and Manchester United-bound Hargreaves recovers from his knee injury, Lampard may end up battling with Chelsea team-mate Joe Cole for a place in the side to face Brazil which he would almost certainly lose.

McClaren's selection issues would however be totally overshadowed by the circus which would accompany a Beckham return.

Stuck on 94 caps since his emotional farewell following England's World Cup demise against Portugal last summer, the 32-year-old has never hidden his continuing desire to represent his country.

For his part, McClaren has repeatedly stated the 'door remained open' for Beckham, although the feeling was that the former Manchester United man's international career was over.

Recalling Beckham would draw huge attention - possibly deflecting some away from the coach, which may be no bad thing - McClaren must ask himself whether he can afford to ignore a player who has emerged from the cold at Real Madrid to guide the Spanish giants to the top of La Liga with just three games remaining.

McClaren will already have noted Fabio Capello has reaped the rewards of a very public climbdown as far as Beckham is concerned and if the result was the same, it would be a key decision well worth taking.