David Beckham won his 100th cap for England after being named in Fabio Capello's starting lineup for a friendly international with France in Paris.
The Los Angeles Galaxy player, who made his debut against Moldova in 1996, was took David Bentley's spot in the first XI.
Beckham joins Peter Shilton, Billy Wright, Sir Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore as the fifth player to reach the 100 cap mark for England.
The Italian British national team coach has intimated the former Manchester United star could play a part with his country up until the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Beckham got in a dangerous early cross to the near post which forced William Gallas to concede the first corner of the game. But the cross from the LA Galaxy star was comfortably cleared.
Beckham could be pleased with his contribution in the opening quarter of the game and looked to be benefiting from his preseason work with LA Galaxy.
France took the lead after the 31st minute via a Franck Ribery penalty.
One pass from Francois Clerc carved open the England defence and found the unmarked Anelka who was brought down by James as the goalkeeper mis-judged the situation.
Up stepped Ribery to coolly send the Portsmouth player the wrong way from the spot.
James clung onto a low cross-cum-shot before Beckham picked up a yellow card for bringing down Ribery.
Liverpool star Peter Crouch had an early opportunity to make an impact when he got on the end of a Beckham corner, but he sent his header over the bar under pressure from Gallas.
A long raking 40-yard ball from Beckham found Micheal Owen but the move again ended disappointingly with Crouch firing high and wide with a 25-yard volley.
Beckham left the pitch to a standing ovation from both sets of supporters after 63 minutes to be replaced by Bentley.
