David Beckham left out of Team GB Olympic football squad for London 2012 Games

Pearce instead selected Ryan Giggs (Man U), Craig Bellamy (Liverpool) and Micah Richards (Man City) as his three over-age players for the U-23 competition.

Beckham was naturally disappointed, but reacted with the dignity everyone has come to expect of him.

"Everyone knows how much playing for my country has always meant to me. So I would have been honoured to have been part of this unique Team GB squad,” he said.

"Naturally I am very disappointed, but there will be no bigger supporter of the team than me. And like everyone, I will be hoping they can win the gold.”

"As a Londoner, I will have been really proud to have played a small part in bringing the Olympics to my home town as part of Seb's team, and I can't wait for the Games to begin and enjoy every moment along with the rest of Great Britain.