David Beckham ties Bobby Charlton's record

The Galaxy's David Beckham made his 106th appearance for England on Saturday, coming on as a late substitute during a 5-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Kazakhstan in London and thereby tying the mark set by Bobby Charlton.

Only two players have played more games for the national team -- goalkeeper Peter Shilton with 125 and defender Bobby Moore, Charlton's teammate on England's 1966 World Cup-winning team, with 108.

Beckham was warmly greeted by the Wembley crowd of 89,107 when he came into the match in place of Theo Walcott with about 12 minutes remaining to play. He rewarded the fans with a trademark free kick that led to Wayne Rooney's second goal of the game and England's fourth.

Beckham can move into sole possession of third place on the all-time England appearance list on Wednesday if he gets onto the field when Coach Fabio Capello's side, unbeaten in qualifying for South Africa 2010, plays Belarus in Minsk.

-- Grahame L. Jones

Photo: David Beckham splits the defense of Kazakhstan during his brief appearance Saturday in the World Cup qualifying match at Wembley Stadium in London. Credit: Gerry Penny / EPA

Comments

[Patrick Curtis]

Why oh why is everyone glorifying Beckham. They have very short memories. Do they not remember the Japan-South Korea World Cup Finals. He was not fit and should, as captain, put his hand up and said I am not fit and sorry I should not be considered. No not our Beckham always after the kudos. Then two years later after the European Finals he actually admited that he was not even fit for the tournament. What does that tell you about the man. Just after cheap glory. Remember this when he get's his 109th cap for England, beating the late great Bobby Moore. Bobby Moore remember played in all of the 108 games for 90 minutes, sometimes longer i.e. the World Cup Final. A truly wonderful man and player was our Bobby. This won't be said about Beckham. Cheat (on his wife), good player (not great), definitely past it now