The Hindu : Sport / Football : I want to carry on, says Beckham

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I want to carry on, says Beckham

LONDON: David Beckham is already looking past England’s friendly against France on Wednesday.

The former England captain is hoping to make his 100th international appearance at Stade de France after being recalled by coach Fabio Capello, but isn’t about to rest even if he reaches the milestone.

“As much as I’m honoured to be here, I want it to carry on,” Beckham said on Monday.

“It doesn’t stop here for me. It’s not about ‘have your 100th game and then retire.’ It’s about carrying on trying to play well for my country.”

Beckham sat out Capello’s debut win over Switzerland last month because the coach ruled that he wasn’t fit enough during the Major League Soccer off-season.

Fifth player

But Beckham has begun playing pre-season friendlies for the Los Angeles Galaxy and could now become just the fifth Englishman to play a century of international matches.

Another cap on Wednesday would move him 25 short of goalkeeper Peter Shilton’s England record.

Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore and Billy Wright are the other former England players to have reached the century milestone.

The 32-year-old Beckham was dropped by Capello’s predecessor, Steve McClaren, after the 2006 World Cup and missed nine England matches. He was recalled a year later following a string of poor results.

Good player

Beckham remained in the team through the remainder of England’s unsuccessful attempt to qualify for the European Championship, but missed out on Capello’s first squad even though he was training with Arsenal in an effort to stay fit.

“He’s a really good player,” Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini said. “It was a pleasure to train with him. He’s very fit, good technically.”

But even if this match proves to be his last, Beckham will be happy.

“I never thought a year ago or two years ago that I would make 95 caps, never mind 100,” Beckham said.

“I’m honoured that I’m making, hopefully, 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.”

Ferdinand to captain

Meanwhile, Capello has appointed Rio Ferdinand as England’s captain for the friendly with France in Paris, dashing John Terry’s hopes of an immediate return to the role following his recovery from injury.

In the absence of the injured Terry, Capello made Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard captain for his first match in charge of England, last month’s 2-1 win over Switzerland. — AP

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