Gazza back in team

8220;This is a very critical period for him,8221; Hoddle said. 8220;I think he realizes that. He just wants to get back playing for England again. He wants to put his game back together again.8221;

Despite question marks about Gascoigne8217;s fitness and reliability, Hoddle has been under pressure to bring him back to provide some creativity in the midfield something which was sorely lacking in England8217;s 2-0 win over Georgia in a World Cup qualifier on April 30.

Left off the squad by Hoddle was former England captain David Platt, signalling a probable end to the international career of the 31-year-old Arsenal midfielder.

Platt8217;s Arsenal teammate, striker Paul Merson, was recalled after missing games against Mexico and Georgia with injuries.

One surprise selection was that of Manchester United8217;s Paul Scholes. The 22-year-old has been in and out of United8217;s lineup, making just 19 starts this season. Scholes joins four other youngsters from Manchester United brothers Philip and Gary Neville, David Beckham and Nicky Butt, along with veteran defender Gary Pallister.