Beckham won his 94th cap in the World Cup defeat to Portugal

The 31-year-old Real Madrid quit as England captain after the World Cup and has since been left out of new boss Steve McClaren's two squads.

Hoddle told BBC Five Live: "Steve is correct in saying the door is not shut.

"If we had a really difficult group where I could see us getting on a sticky wicket, I think David would be brought back straight away."

Interview: Former England boss Glenn Hoddle

McClaren has refused to rule out recalling Beckham in the future but the former Manchester United star's non-selection for the opening Euro 2008 qualifiers appears to suggest his international days are at an end.

It might be in the centre of the pitch, if Beckham does come back at all. I think that's where Steve will use him Glenn Hoddle

McClaren's reign as England boss continued on Saturday, with England following up last month's 4-0 friendly win over Greece with a 5-0 victory against Andorra in a Euro 2008 qualifier.

But Hoddle, who managed England between 1996-1999, believes Beckham could still return, although he thinks he would have trouble reclaiming his old position in right midfield.

"Obviously Steven Gerrard can play there and he put a wonderful cross in for the Defoe goal," added Hoddle.

"I think David Beckham has got a few people there in front of him.

"It might be in the centre of the pitch, if he does come back at all. I think that's where Steve will use him.

"But, as I said before, I can't see England getting themselves in a sticky wicket in the group they are in."

However, Jonathan Woodgate is more certain that Real Madrid team-mate Beckham will play again for England.

Woodgate, who has just joined Middlesbrough on a season-long loan deal, told the Sunday Mirror: "David Beckham will be back for England - I don't think we have seen the last of him at international level.

"I got to know David well during our time together in Madrid and I know what playing for England means to him.