From correspondents in London, England, 04:02 PM IST

Goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who played a record 125 times for England, has said he would be the first to congratulate David Beckham if he beat his record of maximum appearances for his country.

Shilton, who set the record at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, is one of only five men to play more than 100 games for England along with Bobby Moore (108 caps), Bobby Charlton (106), Billy Wright (105) and Beckham, 33, who has played 102 times.

'I don't want him to beat my record, but I would be the first to congratulate him if he did,' Shilton told reporters at the launch of this season's Nationwide Football Annual, the world's oldest annual football handbook.

'He (Beckham) is still a wonderfully gifted player and has proved by winning his place back in the squad last season, he still has plenty to offer England,' Shilton said.

'However, I would be surprised if he broke the record. He would have to play in almost every England match until at least the World Cup in South Africa, assuming England qualify.'

Shilton 58, who played for his country for 20 years until he was almost 41, also said that the inclusion of young players have given a boost to the English side.

'I believe it would say something was wrong with English soccer if some of the younger players had not come through and taken his place in the team by then.'

(Staff Writer, © IANS)