Steve McClaren believes dropping David Beckham jolted him back into top form.
Beckham's performances in the friendly against Brazil last week and Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia have led to claims that he should not have been left out by McClaren in the first place.
But the England manager, who left Beckham out of his first squad and only brought him back after a run of good displays for Real Madrid, does not regret his decision.
"I wouldn't change the decision, I felt it was correct at the time for everybody, the squad and the team," he said.
"I wouldn't change my decision to bring him back either. I felt it was the right time, and if he had been fit for Andorra and Israel it might have been earlier - in October he wasn't in the Real Madrid side.
"I just know that what we are seeing now is David Beckham the player that everybody knows."
McClaren insists it came as no surprise to him to see Beckham respond strongly and earn back his place.
Asked why it had taken a shock to the system for Beckham to respond, McClaren said: "Believe you me it doesn't matter whether you have the best talent in the world or the lowest talent in the world, in all walks of life, in business or in sport, it just becomes more evident and more plain in sport.
"It has taken a shock, both individually and as a team, to change things and that is what has happened.
"David has reacted exactly as I thought he would when that decision was made, he's taken a conscious effort and since the new year he has looked fitter and stronger."
CLICKY - Sky
Beckham's performances in the friendly against Brazil last week and Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia have led to claims that he should not have been left out by McClaren in the first place.
But the England manager, who left Beckham out of his first squad and only brought him back after a run of good displays for Real Madrid, does not regret his decision.
"I wouldn't change the decision, I felt it was correct at the time for everybody, the squad and the team," he said.
"I wouldn't change my decision to bring him back either. I felt it was the right time, and if he had been fit for Andorra and Israel it might have been earlier - in October he wasn't in the Real Madrid side.
"I just know that what we are seeing now is David Beckham the player that everybody knows."
McClaren insists it came as no surprise to him to see Beckham respond strongly and earn back his place.
Asked why it had taken a shock to the system for Beckham to respond, McClaren said: "Believe you me it doesn't matter whether you have the best talent in the world or the lowest talent in the world, in all walks of life, in business or in sport, it just becomes more evident and more plain in sport.
"It has taken a shock, both individually and as a team, to change things and that is what has happened.
"David has reacted exactly as I thought he would when that decision was made, he's taken a conscious effort and since the new year he has looked fitter and stronger."
CLICKY - Sky
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