David Nugent made his England debut last season as a Championship player, but moved to Portsmouth in the summer - citing the need to play in the top flight to further his international career as a reason for the transfer.
"All I'm thinking about at the moment is doing my best for Sheffield United and helping the team do well. That's what I'm totally focused on," he told the Sheffield Star.
"But of course I'd love to play for England again and it's not something you ever give up on.
"By picking David Nugent when he was in this division with Preston Steve McClaren showed that he's prepared to look outside the Premier League.
"But my job is to help Sheffield United get back there as quick as possible anyway. That's all that is in my mind."
Beattie has won five England caps, with the last coming in December 2003 against Denmark.