The 100 club: The players who have gone before Beckham - Sport - Evening Standard
       

The 100 club: The players who have gone before Beckham

As David Beckham prepares to pick up his 100th England cap in France on Wednesday night, we look at the other players who have past their century with the national team.

PETER SHILTON (125 caps)

A fixture in the England team in a position that Fabio Capello would dearly love to find his own undisputed first choice.

Shilton's poise and composure in goal earned him 10 clean sheets in three different World Cup tournaments. He remains England's most capped player and were it not for the presence of challenger Ray Clemence, may have set an even larger total.

With in excess of 1,000 competitive appearances under his belt and a front-row seat in much of his country's recent history, his is a formidable career.

Record holder: Shilton was capped 125 times by his country

BOBBY MOORE (108)

As England's only World Cup-winning captain, Moore's legacy is unlikely to be eclipsed.

His 108 caps saw Moore establish a reputation not only as a fine - and fair - proponent of the defensive arts but also the respect of fans, team-mates and opponents, including esteemed rival Pele, as an inimitable leader.

He captained his nation 90 times - a record he shares with Billy Wright - and often found his best form on the biggest stage.

Wolrd Cup winner: Moore won 108 caps for England

BOBBY CHARLTON (106)

Charlton can boast not only of being an England centurion but also of owning a World Cup winners' medal and being named European Footballer of the year in 1966.

The Manchester United legend - who was a survivor from the Munich air disaster - ended his international career with 49 goals, a record Michael Owen is actively chasing.

But if the Newcastle striker matches Charlton in terms of stature and achievement as well as goals, he will be doing well.

Stalwart: Bobby Charlton was named European Footballer of the Year in 1966

BILLY WRIGHT (105)

Like Moore, Wright captained England on 90 occasions - a stint encompassing three consecutive World Cups.

The Wolves legend, whose presence remains at Molineux in the form of a statue, was also the first player in football to play 100 games for their country.

He was a stout defender whose resilience - he made 70 consecutive England appearances while in possession of the armband - was notable.

Wolves wonder: Wright captained England at three World Cups

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