LONDON - David Beckham's cherished dream of reaching 100 England caps is close to becoming reality after Fabio Capello recalled the midfielder to the international fold and sang his praises.
Capello has been bemused by the attention given to the 32-year-old but has made it clear he believes Beckham still has much to offer.
Memories of last season, when an inspired Beckham pushed Capello's Real Madrid to the league title, remain strong with the Italian.
Beckham's inclusion in a 30-man provisional squad - one that will be slimmed down to 23 names on Saturday evening - took the spotlight away from Arsenal's Theo Walcott and Middlesbrough's central defender David Wheater who also received their call-up papers.
All three will hope for a taste of the action in Paris on Wednesday, as will Jermain Defoe who has seen his form with Portsmouth rewarded.
As far as Beckham is concerned, Capello had sent his No 2 Franco Baldini to the USA to watch him in action in a pre-season friendly, and also spoke to his coach at Los Angeles Galaxy, Ruud Gullit.
Capello said: "I always said that when David Beckham was fit he could be in the squad.
"I have had good reports on him from Franco Baldini, who watched him on Saturday night, and also from his club. I know a lot about David Beckham and what he can offer the team."
Capello said the fact England under-21s have a friendly rather than competitive game next week allowed him to pick Walcott, 19, and Wheater, 21.
He added: "Theo Walcott and David Wheater are two good young players who have done very well for the Under-21s this season and when I have seen them play for their clubs.
"Stuart Pearce has given me excellent recommendations on both players. Next week Stuart has a friendly match so it is a good opportunity for us to consider some of the younger players for the senior squad."
Capello also made special mention of Michael Owen and Joe Cole in matches he was watched this week.
"I saw Michael Owen play for Newcastle on Monday at Birmingham," said the Italian. "I felt he looked sharp, very alive and it was good to see him scoring.
"I should also mention Joe Cole who I thought was excellent last night for Chelsea in a very exciting game. He had a massive impact."
Chelsea pair John Terry and Frank Lampard, who missed Capello's first game in charge due to injury, are also included.
Those named in Capello's first 30-man squad in January who miss out this time are Manchester City's Micah Richards and Aston Villa's Curtis Davies, both injured, as well as Tottenham's Ledley King, Reading's Nicky Shorey, Manchester United's Michael Carrick and Wigan's Emile Heskey.
Capello has not named his captain against France - he has said he wants to try different plays for deciding on a permanent choice. Steven Gerrard had the armband against Switzerland last month and Terry or Rio Ferdinand are the favourites for this game.
Most of the focus will be on Beckham though and it also seems very unlikely that Capello will not keep him in his thinned-down 23-man squad that he will confirm on Saturday evening.
Walcott's inclusion was also anticipated as the 19-year-old's recent performances for Arsenal, including a notable cameo against AC Milan, were known to have caught Capello's eye.
The teenager made his first and last appearance for England under Sven-Goran Eriksson two years ago, when he became the youngest England international.
