Ribery seals victory for France

France won the international friedly against England in Stade de France.David Beckham won his 100th cap and he lasted for just 63 minutes before he was substituted.Beckham was also booked for his challenge.It was not the result the LA Galaxy midfielder would have wanted to mark such a significant occasion, while there was little to suggest Rio Ferdinand had staked a strong case to be made captain on a permanent basis.

Capello's team started at a high tempo but it was France who created the early openings - Anelka heading wide from a Ribery free-kick and shooting weakly at goal after he was gifted far too much time to turn on the edge of the area.

England - with Gareth Barry and Owen Hargreaves shielding the back four - gradually asserted themselves on the contest and enjoyed a decent period of play.

A low teasing cross from the left was diverted clear of Beckham's path by keeper Gregory Coupet while Gerrard twice missed the target with headers.

Bayern Munich playmaker Franck Ribery got the only goal from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute, after England keeper David James brought down Nicolas Anelka.

Capello opted to make four substitutions at the break - with Peter Crouch, Michael Owen, Stewart Downing and Joleon Lescott introduced.

Only Terry's substitution for Lescott was injury related, with the Chelsea skipper complaining of a tight hamstring.

The changes hinted at Capello's recognition that his decision to play Rooney as the lone striker did not work, with the Manchester United player often forced to come deep in search of the ball.

But it was France who continued to play the incisive football, breaking viciously with James saving from Anelka while Malouda shot narrowly wide.

In contrast, England were frequently betrayed by a poor first touch while a speculative - and wide - effort from Crouch was emblematic of their growing frustration.

Anelka had illuminated the contest with several audacious back-flicks and he also laid the ball off to Ribery but the goalscorer somewhat scuffed his shot.

France substitute Djibril Cisse went close towards the end, while England rarely looked like equalising.