Goal : Franck Ribery 32 pen

A first-half penalty from Franck Ribery spoiled David Beckham’s 100th appearance for England by giving France a 1-0 friendly win at the Stade de France on Wednesday.

Midfielder Ribery marked a superb performance by scoring from the spot against the run of play in the 32nd minute after Nicolas Anelka was brought down by keeper David James.

The 32-year-old Beckham started the match to become only the fifth English player in 136 years of international soccer to achieve a century of appearances for his country.

He worked tirelessly on the right wing and sent over a series of trademark crosses and long passes but also received a first-half booking for checking Ribery before being replaced by David Bentley after 63 minutes.

He left the field to a standing ovation from both the French and English supporters.

England, who failed to qualify for the Euro 2008 finals and have not beaten France in Paris in five matches since a 3-1 friendly win in 1949, fought bravely before the break but gradually conceded midfield possession to the French who finished the stronger side.

Despite being at fault for the penalty which was similar to the one James conceded against France in Euro 2004 when he upended Thierry Henry, the goalkeeper had a good game and thwarted numerous French scoring chances in the second half.

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