Beckham equals Moore outfield caps record

David Beckham equalled the late Bobby Moore's outfield record of 108 caps for England after coming on as a substitute in Wednesday's 2-0 friendly loss away to European champions Spain.

The 33-year-old midfielder, recalled to the squad after impressing Fabio Capello with his recent displays for AC Milan, came on for the second half and now looks set to eclipse Moore as the most capped outfield player when England play their next match, a World Cup qualifier against Slovakia on March 28.

Beckham has still some way to go to catch the overall record holder, goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who played for his country 125 times.

But it is not completely out of the question that he could reach that landmark if he is able to make his loan move to Milan permanent and realise his ambition of playing for England in next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.

By then, Beckham will have turned 35 and have been representing his country for almost 14 years, having made his debut as a floppy-haired 21-year-old against Moldova on September 1, 1996.

Beckham admitted that Spain on the day were too strong.

"They were always going to put pressure on us and they kept the ball well. They got two good goals, the first from a good finish and the second was (following) a freekick. Maybe overall they deserved victory."

On winning his landmark 108th cap, Beckham added: "I think I have always said I would be honoured to be up there with the likes of Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore. But the more important thing was the game."

The first of Beckham's 17 international goals came at the 1998 World Cup, his freekick against Colombia helping England into the second round.

That tournament was to end in disgrace with Beckham vilified for getting himself sent off for a petulant kick at Diego Simeone as England went out on penalties to Argentina.

An experience that would have crushed less resilient personalities served only to make Beckham stronger and his growing significance to the national squad was recognised by caretaker boss Peter Taylor, who made him captain.

That decision surprised many people but Beckham retained the role under Sven-Goran Eriksson and was at the centre of a revival in England's fortunes under the Swede.

SEVILLE, Spain, AFP