David Beckham has claimed his 100th international cap for England, but France proved far too good in claiming a 1-0 friendly win at Stade de France in Paris.
The ease of France's victory issued an unequivocal indication of the scale of the task faced by coach Fabio Capello as he seeks to elevate his new charges to the level of their neighbours.
Franck Ribery's first-half penalty separated the two sides, but better finishing from Raymond Domenech's side could have made this an embarrassing rather than a merely uncomfortable evening for England's head coach.
Beckham, unexpectedly named in the starting line-up, marred his contribution to the evening when he was handed a a yellow card for pulling the shirt of Florent Malouda, a foul that critics will seize upon as proof that he no longer has the legs for international football.
But he also provided enough evidence to suggest that he could yet rise higher than fifth in the table of England's most-capped players, a couple of 50-metre crossfield passes in particular demonstrating that, as he nears his 33rd birthday, the delivery from his right boot remains as reliable as ever.
Camera flashes sparkled around the stadium when the former Manchester United favourite took his first corner kick, which was cleared by the French defence in the sixth minute.
"I'm very honoured," he told Sky Sports. "From when I started playing I never dreamed I'd get to 100 and beyond. It's every player's dream to play for their country let alone get 100 caps.
"I'm happy but I want to carry on."
Capello overlooked him for the friendly against Switzerland last month and, asked if he had proved a point to the new man, Beckham said: "I proved my fitness, I felt fresh and sharp and it was good to be here as Paris is one of my favourite places in the world.
"It's a long way from Leytonstone (Beckham's London birthplace) but I'm very proud. My family are all here.
"There's been highs and lows, more highs obviously, and I would like to thank the fans who have supported me."
France defender William Gallas approached Beckham at fulltime to swap shirts but the England man declined. "He did ask me but I think he forgot what game it was for me," he said.
