David Beckham could win his 100th international cap against France next Wednesday after he was recalled to the England squad on Thursday. Coach Fabio Capello named the 32-year-old midfielder, who plays for LA Galaxy, in a 30-man squad for the friendly at the Stade de France. The squad will be cut to 23 on Saturday. Arsenal forward Theo Walcott, 19, has been called up for the first time since he was included in the 2006 World Cup squad. Middlesbrough defender David Wheater and Portsmouth's prolific striker Jermain Defoe are also in Capello's provisional squad. The Italian has selected Portsmouth's David James, Aston Villa's Scott Carson and Wigan Athletic's Chris Kirkland as his three goalkeepers.Beckham presents lifetime achievement award to Pele Pele teased David Beckham that the British star has it easy compared to when he tried to spread the love of soccer in the United States. Pele recalled playing games on a mix of dirt and grass during his stint with the New York Cosmos in the 1970s, as Beckham presented him with a lifetime achievement award at a charity banquet Wednesday. “Now is his time,” Pele said. Beckham gave a slight bow to Pele as two of the biggest names in soccer met on the stage. Beckham said he had no regrets about joining the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer despite an injury-plagued first season. “We're enjoying it family-wise,” he said of the move. Beckham added that he was relishing the challenge of broadening the game's appeal in a country where basketball, baseball, American football and ice hockey dominate. “Soccer is a magical game. I'm very confident fans here in America will continue to see that,” said the former Manchester United midfielder. “There's no reason they can't be as passionate about soccer as they are about every other sport here.” Beckham said he was humbled to present the award to Pele. “For me to be here to present this to the greatest sportsmen of all time, I feel particularly honored,” the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder told reporters. “This absolutely is a highlight moment for me.” The black-tie event, a $1,250-a-plate fundraiser at Gotham Hall, was a benefit for Harlem Youth Soccer. Pele, 67, widely regarded as the greatest footballer ever, blazed a trail for soccer in North American soccer, one that Beckham now follows. After helping Brazil win three World Cups, Pele joined the North American Soccer League's New York Cosmos in 1975. __
