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Wednesday, 26 March 2008, 11:37 GMT

Beckham to win 100th England cap

David Beckham arrives in Paris ahead of the friendly with France France v England
Date: Wednesday, 26 March
Kick-off: 2000 GMT
Venue: Stade de France
BBC Coverage: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sport website

David Beckham will win his 100th England cap in the friendly against France on Wednesday.

"I couldn't make him come all the way from the USA and not play him," England coach Fabio Capello, who did not reveal whether Beckham would start the game.

"Nobody knows what the future holds. The David Beckham I know can get to [the World Cup in] 2010 if he works and trains hard."

"If he carries on training and working hard as he is, he can easily last."

The next World Cup takes place in South Africa in two years' time.

Former England captain Beckham will join a select band of England centurions on Wednesday, joining Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton, Billy Wright and Peter Shilton.

Whether Beckham could surpass Shilton's record of 125 caps is uncertain but he does feel he can still be involved come the 2010 World Cup.

"It is something I want to reach," said Beckham, who will have just turned 35 by the time the tournament in South Africa starts.

"I would love to play and be part of the squad in 2010. But I'm taking it as it comes - who knows what is round the corner?

"The combination of the players and the combination of manager and staff is setting us up right for the qualification games for the World Cup."

Despite Beckham's optimism, former England captain Alan Shearer believes it will be difficult for the former Manchester United man to play on for his country until 2010.

"It will be very tough for him to get to the next World Cup," Shearer told BBC Radio 5 Live.

606: DEBATE
"I do not expect Beckham to be in any England squads after this one"
sixteens_unsafe-mufc

"He is not playing in a great league, which may work against him, but it's up to David to keep impressing the new manager.

"We've found out that the new manager is not going to pick players on reputation.

"So it will be a big ask for him to still be playing, but we've said it many times before about David Beckham, so I wouldn't write him off."

Beckham was left out of the first squad named by former coach Steve McClaren - and the LA Galaxy player revealed he did not think he would reach the 100-cap mark.

"It is not about 'have your 100th game and then retire'. It is about carrying on trying to play well for my country," added Beckham on Monday.

"I never thought a year ago or two years ago that I would make 95 caps, never mind 100.

"David has been a great servant and he fully deserves to win his 100th cap"
Rio Ferdinand

"I'm honoured that I'm making my 100th appearance in an England shirt but I'm also honoured to be doing it against one of the best teams in the world."

Rio Ferdinand - captain for the match against France on Wednesday - paid tribute to his former Manchester United team-mate.

"Not many players get to play 100 times for their country so it is a huge honour," said Ferdinand.

"He has never stopped working hard, he has been a great servant and he fully deserves to win his 100th cap.

"Five players in the history of English football have managed that. He is with some illustrious names, some icons of the sport and he is a worthy member of that list."

England supporters in Paris for the game are to sign a giant congratulations card for Beckham.




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Related to this story:

England centurions (25 Mar 08 |  Internationals )
Ferdinand delight at captain role (25 Mar 08 |  Internationals )
Owen in the dark on England start (25 Mar 08 |  Internationals )
Capello regime impresses Beckham (25 Mar 08 |  Internationals )
England to play USA and Czech Rep (21 Mar 08 |  Internationals )
Beckham's England career in photos (25 Mar 08 |  Football )
Beckham aims to convince England (16 Mar 08 |  Internationals )
Owen fearful of England omission (10 Mar 08 |  Newcastle United )
Capello buoyed by England promise (07 Feb 08 |  Internationals )
England 2-1 Switzerland (06 Feb 08 |  Internationals )

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