26 March 2008
VIDEO: David Beckham post France

David Beckham says that he hopes to go on playing for England after winning his 100th cap against France.

France

1-0

England

Ribery 32 pen

 

 


International Friendly
8pm, Wednesday 26 March 2008
Stade de France, Paris
Live on Sky Sports

On joining an elite group of just five players on 100 caps, David Beckham admitted it was a tremendous honour to achieve such a landmark for England.

Peter Shilton, Bobby Moore, Sir Bobby Charlton and Billy Wright all with 100 caps for England. 20 years on from Shilton's 100th cap against Holland, we now add David Beckham to the list.

Beckham told TheFA.com: "I'm very proud to be in such company, just to be mentioned in the same breath as those names is an incredible honour.

"This is right up there in terms of highlights of my career. I've had some incredible highs and a few lows with England but this is very special.

"My family and friends were all there watching and that's only right because I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them. My Dad, my Mum, my wife and my kids - everyone who has helped me make it this far and I have to thank them. The England fans have been fantastic as well, so I have to thank them too."

As he left the field after an hour Beckham received a standing ovation from the entire crowd in Paris, and he revealed that after Wembley there was no other place he would have chosen to earn his 100th cap.

"If I had to choose anywhere away from England for this to happen it would definitely have been here," Beckham explained.

"I love French football, they have had some of the best players in the world for a long time - my old Real Madrid teammate Zidane played here.

"I love the city, the food and the people - so it's very special that I was able to reach 100 caps here."

Beckham was also keen to stress that he felt England were headed in the right direction under Fabio Capello. Having been involved with England for 12 years, Beckham has worked with seven managers and he is confident that the Three Lions are in safe hands.

When asked where England were headed, he replied "Forward. We've got a great manager in Fabio Capello, I know him from my time with Real Madrid and he has what it takes to be successful.

"I was at Real Madrid for four years and the one season we won La Liga was with Capello in charge."

Another of Beckham's former teammates Rio Ferdinand captained the side for the first time,

"I was very proud of Rio, to captain England was a great achievement for him and he deserved it.

"Like me he's had his ups and downs, but he has taken those experiences and come back stronger each time which shows you the character he has."

France: 23 Gregory Coupet, 3 Eric Abidal, 5 William Gallas, 5 Claude Makelele, 7 Florent Malouda, 8 Jeremy Toulalan, Francois Clerc, Lilian Thuram (c), 20 David Trezeguet (10 Sidney Govou 64), 22 Franck Ribery, 39 Nicolas Anelka (9 Djibril Cisse 80)

Subs not used: 1 Mickael Landreau, 4 Philippe Mexes, 17 Sebastien Squillaci, 18 Alou Diarra, 21 Mathieu Flamini, 27 Patrice Evra

England: 1 David James, 2 Wes Brown (13 Glen Johnson 63), 3 Ashley Cole, 4 Owen Hargreaves, 5 Rio Ferdinand (c), 6 John Terry (14 Joleon Lescott 46), 7 David Beckham (16 David Bentley 63), 8 Gareth Barry, 9 Wayne Rooney (18 Michael Owen 46), 10 Steven Gerrard (19 Peter Crouch 46), 11 Joe Cole (17 Stewart Downing 46)

Subs not used: 12 Paul Robinson, 15 Wayne Bridge, 20 Theo Walcott, 21 Robert Green

Match Officials

Referee: Florian Meyer (German)
Assistant Referees: Sonke Glindmann and Mark Borsch (Both German)