England boss Fabio Capello is ready to use the friendly against France as an acid test for LA Galaxy star David Beckham.
Capello has also taken on board rave reviews by LA Galaxy chief Ruud Gullit.
Capello feels it may be more useful to measure him against the French in Paris rather than in a less competitive match like the home friendly with the USA on May 28.
The England manager believes Beckham can be useful in the World Cup qualifiers and has no doubt he still has the desire to play for his country.
But Becks must still impress in training next Tuesday or he could yet miss his century.