Ribery penalty spoils Beckham century

A first-half penalty by Franck Ribery spoiled David Beckham's 100th appearance for England by giving France a 1-0 friendly win at the Stade de France.Midfielder Ribery hit the winner from the spot against the run of play on 32 minutes after Nicolas Anelka was brought down in the box by England goalkeeper David James.

The 32-year-old Beckham started the match to become the fifth English player to achieve a century of appearances for his country.

He worked tirelessly on the right wing and received a first-half booking before being replaced by David Bentley on 63 minutes.

England, who failed to qualify for the European championship finals and have not beaten France in Paris since a 3-1 friendly win in 1949, fought bravely before the break but gradually tired.(Reuters)

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