The big story was of course the 100th cap for David Beckham who joins Peter Shilton, Bobby Moore, Sir Bobby Charlton and Billy Wright to reach the century of England caps.

England started sharply with some slick passing and were in control for the first half hour albeit creating little in front of goal. Then David James conceded a penalty on 31 minutes bringing down Nicolas Anelka and Frank Ribery slotted it home to give France the lead.

England made four changes at half-time. Terry, Rooney, Gerrard and Joe Cole went off to be replaced by Joleon Lescott, Peter Crouch, Michael Owen and Stewart Downing.

England again created nothing of any real note second-half and it was typically dour friendly fare as France held on for the win. Being kind you could say England were poor with France just slightly better in a poor game.