Netherlands Coach Marco van Basten has recalled the hugely experienced Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Edgar Davids to his 23-man squad for Holland’s final two World Cup Europe Zone Group 1 qualifiers, against the Czech Republic and Macedonia.

David's last international appearance was in a 3-1 win over Finland in October 2004. The 32-year-old has just recovered from a long-term groin injury.

The Netherlands lead Group 1 and need one just point from their games away to the Czech Republic on October the 8th, and against Macedonia in Amsterdam four days later to automatically qualify for next year's finals in Germany.

To a lot of people’s surprise, Bayern Munich striker Roy Makaay has been excluded from the squad. Chelsea FC's Arjen Robben, Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Feyenoord's Dirk Kuijt have all be chosen as forward options. Arsenal Fc's rising star Robin Van Persie has also been included in Van Basten's squad.

Barcelona defender Giovanni van Bronckhorst returns after suspension. Manchester United’s keeper Edwin van der Sar is likely to take the No.1 shirt for the two matches.

PSV Eindhoven's Phillip Cocu will miss both matches after receiving a two-game ban from FIFA for elbowing an opponent in the Netherlands' 4-1 win over Andorra in the qualifiers last month.

The Netherlands squad (team to be chosen from):

Goalkeepers:
Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United), Henk Timmer (Ajax).

Defenders:
Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Barcelona), Khalid Boulahrouz (HSV Hamburg), Wilfred Bouma (Aston Villa), Tim de Cler (AZ Alkmaar), Nigel de Jong (Ajax), Jan Kromkamp (Villarreal), Barry Opdam (AZ Alkmaar), Ron Vlaar (AZ Alkmaar).

Midfielders:
George Boateng (Middlesbrough FC), Edgar Davids (Tottenham Hotspur), Denny Landzaat (AZ Alkmaar), Olaf Lindenbergh (AZ Alkmaar), Hedwiges Maduro (Ajax), Wesley Sneijder (Ajax), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburger SV).

Forwards:
Ryan Babel (Ajax), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United FC), Arjen Robben (Chelsea FC), Robin van Persie (Arsenal FC), Dirk Kuijt (Feyenoord), Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (PSV Eindhoven).

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