Beckham has been stuck on 99 appearances for his country since the end of last year and speculation about his participation has dogged the build-up to this week's game.

But Italian boss Capello revealed he will certainly feature in some capacity at the Stade de France.

Asked whether Beckham will start the game, Capello told a press conference televised by Sky Sports News: "I've yet to decide, though I have made my decision.

"He will play (some part), I could not possibly make him come from the USA and not play him.

"I know David Beckham and what he can give me and I think he can make the difference in some respects. I know what he can give to a team.

"As for the future, we will have to see. Nobody knows what the future holds."

Capello added: "I think every player would like to reach this target (100 caps) but very few manage it so you have to give David Beckham credit, he has done really well to achieve this."

Capello has decided to make Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand captain for this game, and said: "From what I've seen in six days he has worked with me personally, and the games I have watched him play, Rio Ferdinand is a very good professional and as I said previously, I will rotate captains until we get to the World Cup qualifiers because I want to see various players and see who is best."

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Capello confirmed he will try at least two more captains before deciding on his permanent skipper for the World Cup qualifiers starting in the autumn.

John Terry was expected to retake the armband after missing the friendly against Switzerland in January through injury but Ferdinand was given the nod instead.

Capello revealed he had not explained his choice to Chelsea captain Terry, saying: "No, I'm not expected to explain my choices to anyone. I made my own choices based on reasoning and on facts."

Michael Owen was left on the bench against Switzerland, and Capello was coy on whether the Newcastle striker would be given a chance to impress in Paris.

"All the players are important players but it depends on the type of game it is who's best." he said.

"At the moment I'm experimenting and I'm trying to see how I can make the team play and what choices I can make."

Capello is expecting a stern test tomorrow as he bids to make it two wins out of two since taking over from Steve McClaren.

He said: "It's certainly going to be our hardest match because France are a good team and we're playing at the Stade de France, where there will be a good atmosphere.

"It will be a very good test, especially considering the group I have could be a good base to start."

Returning to the subject of Beckham's 100th cap, Capello left the door open for the midfielder to continue his international career all the way through to the next World Cup in 2010.

"I've managed him previously and he's always been a very good professional," said the former Real Madrid boss.

"Only people who are so professional can last and be at the top for so long.

"The David Beckham I know can certainly last and get to 2010 if he carries on training and working hard."

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Ferdinand is grateful for the opportunity to "fulfil a dream" by taking the armband tomorrow.

"It's a fantastic honour and an achievement in itself to be named England captain," he said.

"As a kid you grow up wanting to play for England and lead your country out and I've been given that honour of being able to fulfil those dreams, so I am happy.

"I have done it for Man United in the past. I will lead by example, not be afraid to stand up and say what needs to be said."

Ferdinand does not expect any awkwardness between himself and former captain John Terry.

"It's not like that. If JT needs to say something, I'm sure he'll say it.

"You don't change your game just on being captain - you need to be a leader no matter what.

"It's more important that there are 11 guys out there that want to lead."

Ferdinand is focused on this game and not worried about earning the armband permanently.

"The manager is well-documented as saying he will not make his mind up until the qualifying starts in September and I'm under no illusions it is not set in stone.

"I'll be going out there, trying to do what I do for Man United, and if that's good enough to become captain of England then great."

Asked about the achievement compared to the low point of his career, when he was banned in 2003 for missing a drugs test, Ferdinand said: "If you can't be forgiven for failings when you were young then that is not a good thing.

"Since then, I have applied myself to a different level on the pitch, the training field and in my private life as well."

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Ferdinand is convinced his past indiscretions should not count against him when Capello decides on his permanent skipper.

"The past is the past and if you learn from those mistakes then you've got every right to aim as high as you want to aim," he said.

"But I'm under no illusions to think I'm going to be captain in the future."

The Manchester United defender paid tribute to David Beckham's achievement, saying: "Not many players get to play 100 games for their country.

"He's never stopped working hard, he's been a great servant and he fully deserves his 100th cap.

"Only five players in the history of English football have achieved that. They are fantastic names and icons of the sport and he's a worthy person to be among that list."

Ferdinand admitted Capello's decision to rotate captains has put extra pressure on the squad, but it is a pressure he is relishing.

"I'd be a liar if I said there wasn't any added pressure," he added.

"But when isn't there pressure? It's a different scenario to impress the new manager but that's part and parcel of playing for your country."

France will be one of the favourites to win Euro 2008 and Ferdinand admitted it would be a cathartic experience if England could pull off a victory.

"France are a fantastic football nation, they've been very successful and they've got some fantastic footballers," he said.

"We know a lot of them from playing in the Premier League so we know it's going to be a tough game. We know we've got to perform.

"We go out there to win the game first and foremost. They're going to the European Championships and we're not and it would be a nice taste in the mouth if we could beat them."