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 Despite speculation the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder would be on the bench, England coach Fabio Capello placed him in the starting lineup for Wednesday's exhibition match at the Stade de France.
"I was happy to start the game, but it was more about getting on the pitch, getting that 100th cap," said Beckham, who didn't have a shot on goal, made little impression with his trademark long passes and spent much of his time covering for right back Wes Brown.
Beckham was overlooked for Capello's first game in charge, a 2-1 victory over Switzerland at Wembley last month, because the Major League Soccer season had finished and the former England captain was not playing any matches.
Beckham was third from last running onto the field as the teams came out and waved to the fans. But the French fans whistled whenever he had the ball or ran over to take corner kicks.
He was shown a yellow card in the 38th minute for pulling Frank Ribery's shirt and hauling him down as the Frenchman, who had given his side the lead from the penalty spot, tried to run past him.
Under instructions to help Brown, Beckham did well to race back and tackle Florent Malouda, who went on a dangerous run down the left.
When he went off the field to be replaced by David Bentley, the whole crowd stood and loudly applauded as he trotted to a place on the bench.
Beckham was dropped by Capello's predecessor, Steve McClaren, after the 2006 World Cup and missed nine England matches. He was recalled a year later by McClaren following a string of poor results.
Goalkeeper Peter Shilton has played the most games for England with 125 in 1970-90. Next are Bobby Moore (108), Bobby Charlton (106) and Billy Wright (105).
[Associated Press]
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