Parker gets England recall

29 september 2006, 17:20

Koen Freriks

Scott Parker has been recalled to the England squad after two and a half years in the international wilderness.

Steve McClaren named Parker in the 24-man squad he unveiled on Friday on the FA website, www.thefa.com, ahead of Euro 2008 qualifiers against Macedonia and Croatia. The Newcastle captain is seen as a direct replacement for midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who is out with a broken leg.

Wayne Rooney is also back in the fold after serving his two-match ban for a red card in the World Cup quarter-final against Portugal.