DURBAN, England, May 23: England beat South Africa 2-1 in their friendly international on Thursday but the victory was overshadowed by an arm injury suffered by captain David Beckham.

Beckham was taken to hospital for x-rays on his right arm having been substituted after 50 minutes of the game being used by the South Africans to showcase their 2010 World Cup bid.

Striker Emile Heskey scored England’s winner, tapping in a rebound after South Africa goalkeeper Brian Baloyi spilled a Frank Lampard shot in the 64th minute.

England, who are preparing for a Euro 2004 qualifier against Slovakia on June 11, took the lead after only 36 seconds when defender Gareth Southgate headed in a David Beckham free kick.

South Africa levelled in the 18th minute when striker Benni McCarthy struck home a penalty following a handball by England right back Danny Mills.

Beckham’s injury soured England’s night, although the Manchester United midfielder is suspended for the Slovakia game.—Reuters