Beckham wins 100th cap for England

By Julien Pretot

PARIS (Reuters) - David Beckham showed he could still play a role for England when he won his 100th cap in a 1-0 defeat to France in a friendly on Wednesday.

The LA Galaxy midfielder looked a little rusty at times but gave a typically hard-working performance at the Stade de France and was involved in much of England's attacking play before being replaced by David Bentley in the 63rd minute.

The 32-year-old, who made his England debut against Moldova in a World Cup qualifier in September 1996, became only the fifth English player to achieve a century of appearances for his country.

Billy Wright (105 caps) was the first to reach the milestone in 1959 and was subsequently followed by Bobby Charlton (106), Bobby Moore (108) and England's record appearance holder Peter Shilton (125).

Beckham won his 99th cap in England's 3-2 home defeat against Croatia in a Euro qualifier at Wembley last November.

Camera flashes sparkled around the stadium when the former Manchester United favourite took his first corner kick, which was cleared by the French defence in the sixth minute.

Beckham then fell just short of netting his 18th goal for his country when he failed to connect at the far post with a low Ashley Cole cross.

GOLDEN BOOTS

Wearing golden boots to mark the milestone, Beckham also got the opportunity to show his defending skills, often switching to a full back position with former United team mate Wes Brown.

He picked up a yellow card eight minutes before the interval when his lack of condition forced him to pull Franck Ribery's shirt.

Beckham saved his team from the threat posed by Nicolas Anelka by beating the Chelsea forward to the ball just before being replaced by Bentley to a standing ovation from both the French and English fans.

His last contribution was a trademark 50-metre crossfield pass to Stewart Downing.

Then his number flashed up on the replacement board and he left applauding the fans who were cheering him.

"I'm very honoured," he told Sky Sports. "From when I started playing I never dreamed I'd get to 100 and beyond. It's every player's dream to play for their country let alone get 100 caps.

"I'm happy but I want to carry on."

Coach Fabio Capello overlooked him for the friendly against Switzerland last month and, asked if he had proved a point to the new man, Beckham said: "I proved my fitness, I felt fresh and sharp and it was good to be here as Paris is one of my favourite places in the world.

"It's a long way from Leytonstone (Beckham's London birthplace) but I'm very proud. My family are all here.

"There's been highs and lows, more highs obviously, and I would like to thank the fans who have supported me."

France defender William Gallas approached Beckham at fulltime to swap shirts but the England man declined. "He did ask me but I think he forgot what game it was for me," he said.

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