LONDON, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Football Association denied on Sunday that England soccer team manager Steve McClaren held talks with senior players about a recall for David Beckham.

    It was reported in a Sunday newspaper that McClaren was considering including the former captain in his squad for the Euro 2008 qualifier in Israel on March 24.

    McClaren last Wednesday said that he had no plans to speak to Beckham although he has also said in the past that he would never close the door on any player regarding selection.

    And the FA stressed that McClaren has not consulted players on the possibility of a return for Beckham, who was sent off in Real Madrid's La Liga clash with Real Betis on Saturday.

    FA director of communications Adrian Bevington said: "I have spoken to Steve McClaren regarding this story and he is categoric that there is no truth whatsoever in this."

    Beckham stepped down as England captain on July 2 after England's exit from the World Cup finals last year. One month later, he was dropped by McClaren from the England squad for friendly against Greece, England's first match under McClaren's management.