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David Beckham admits he is "honoured" to be given the chance of winning his 100th cap against France on Wednesday, but insists he has no intention of ending his international career after reaching the milestone.
The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder looks certain to bring up his century of appearances against Les Bleus in Paris after Fabio Capello recalled him to the squad.
The Italian had left Beckham out of his first squad for the match against Switzerland, raising questions about his long-term future. But the former skipper is clear that he sees his comeback as a long-term one.
"I've enjoyed it, enjoyed being back with the guys and training was great so I am very happy," Beckham said.
"I never thought a year ago or two years ago that I would make 95 caps, never mind 100. I'm honoured that I'm making, hopefully, my 100th appearance in an England shirt but I'm also honoured to be doing it against one of the best teams in the world.
"But as much as I'm honoured to be here I want it to carry on. It doesn't stop here for me. It's not about 'have your 100th game and then retire'. It's about carrying on trying to play well for my country."
On Capello, who he enjoyed an up-and-down relationship with at Real Madrid, he added: "Obviously I had the pleasure of having him as a manager in my last year at Real Madrid.
"I know what he's like as a manager and as a person and I also know what the coaching staff and people he's surrounded himself with are like.
"We know we have talented players; we know we have ability and we now have a manager who has vast experience in the game. We need to get confidence back on the pitch and off the pitch."
There have been suggestions that Beckham could be handed the captaincy should he take the field on Wednesday - but he threw his backing behind Chelsea's John Terry, who was first-choice under Steve McClaren.
"I don't know (about being given the armband)," Beckham said. "John Terry is the captain and he deserves to be. He's a great captain and he will carry on being a great captain for Chelsea and England."
David James paid tribute to the former Manchester United midfielder and believes Beckham should already have earned his 100th cap.
He said: "If things had been right he should have made his 100th cap before now. He is a world-class player, today in training he demonstrated he has not lost anything.
"I consider it an opportunity for me to stake a claim for participation for 2010. I think David Beckham is the same - he is not just here for his 100th cap.
"He is a world-class footballer. He deserves to be part of the England set up. It's a pleasure to play with him."
The Portsmouth keeper also insists the late call-ups to the squad of Robert Green and Paul Robinson demonstrates strength in depth of the goalkeeping position.
"I've said all along - it is a personal triumph to still be involved," he added. "With so many decent English goalkeepers about - the strength in depth is definitely there.
"I feel part of the squad, part of the team, I don't know what will happen because the team hasn't been announced. If it is anything like last time it (the team) will not be given to us until 10 minutes before we get on the bus."
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