WEMBLEY, England. — David Beckham broke England’s appearance record for a non-goalkeeper Saturday and set up goal with a trademark cross in a 4-0 exhibition soccer victory over Slovakia.
Beckham entered his 109th game at the start of the second half at Wembley Stadium, surpassing the mark he shared with former England captain Bobby Moore.
The next target for the AC Milan midfielder will be overtaking retired goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who made 125 appearances for England.
Beckham fired a cross to Wayne Rooney in the 70th minute for England’s third goal. Rooney added another goal in injury time, and Emile Heskey and Frank Lampard also scored for England.
“It’s an unbelievable achievement,” Rooney said. “Everyone in the dressing room is delighted for him and the fans love him.”
Beckham replaced Tottenham’s Aaron Lennon for the second half, energizing a crowd that had watched an England team play with little urgency.
The English led 1-0 on Heskey’s goal in the seventh minute.
Beckham has extended his international career by joining AC Milan on an extended loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy.
The 33-year-old midfielder will return to Major League Soccer in June for the second half of the season before rejoining Milan in November.
England plays a World Cup qualifier Wednesday against Ukraine.
