[taffster5]

BBC Sport - David Beckham not selected for London 2012 football squad

I thought he'd be a certainty, if only to please the marketers. He's taken it well and I'm sure he'll be involved in the olympics in some capacity. The three over-age players seem to have been reasonably well recieved (unless you're one of the "No to team GB" N.Irish, Scots or Welsh) and I doubt their clubs will be too angry if they're involved in the olympics.

[Sebastalona]

I can't find the actual 18 squad list? I take it they haven't actually published it yet, just confirming DB isn't in it?

[taffster5]

I think the players themselves know who's in and out but it hasnt been officially named yet. There was a clip of Bellamy in one of the other threads saying he was in the squad at an overseas launch of Liverpool's new kit.

[Marc]

it's a shame for him as it's his last chance of playing any sort of international football. Ultimately he's paid the price for choosing to play in such a poor league, if the likes of Bellamy get chosen ahead of him.

[Abbeygoo]

I'd rather Beckham play than Micah Richards.

[Marc]

because you want him fit for next season or because you don't rate him?

[Abbeygoo]

Originally Posted by Marc

because you want him fit for next season or because you don't rate him?

because I want him fit for next season and the Olympics football is a bit of a gimmick when we have Team GB.

[davepuma]

Why is it a shame? He went off to play in the MLS laughing all the way to the bank. He gave up all hope of playing any more meaningful matches the day he decided that money was more important than football.

[taffster5]

I didn't know Richards was injured, thought he just wasn't called up for the English Euros squad. Saying that I'm sure Rio's agent Moralee won't be moaning in the press this time though about a "lack of respect"

[mrtbag]

The part that really annoys me about it, is that Beckham thinks it's OK to go to the press regarding a private conversation with Pearce, before the official announcement.

[Coffin]

Scandalous he has not been picked, unless it's for fitness reasons

He is not the best player Britians produced by some margin but his contribution to the game and sport in general from a British perspective has been immense

[Coffin]

Originally Posted by davepuma

Why is it a shame? He went off to play in the MLS laughing all the way to the bank. He gave up all hope of playing any more meaningful matches the day he decided that money was more important than football.

That is an absolutely awful view to have. Sorry.

David Beckham has played football all his life and been a professional for over 20 years; since '92. He's played professionally in England, Italy and Spain, which are certainly the strongest Leagues in the sport

That he chose to go and play in another country and environment at the age of 32 is entirely his decision

I can name many friends and family who have done the 'rat race' and moved on to other countries for a different experiece in life. Whether they have been paid the same, less or more is often irrelevant

Put it this way, in 3-4 years time, when he formally retires, I don't think he's going to look back and regret the 5 years he spent playing football in LA out of the lifetime he's dedicated to the sport

[Marc]

everyone always seems to want to make a statement at Beckham's expense so i wouldn't be surprised if that's Pearce's real motivation for leaving him out. Look at me FA, i can make the hard decisions, hire me when Roy leaves!

I can understand choosing Richards over him because Pearce wants to have a strong defence and needs someone with experience to marshall the back line, and I can understand choosing Giggs over him because all the young players will be inspired by him, but I don't see the thinking behind choose Bellamy over him.

[kopchoir]

Footballing sense is beckam good enough for the team ??
No is he
Seb Coe been a great help for british sport over the years,there is more to sport than football.

Gives young players a chance to get some comparative football because the south American teams will be full of quality.

[kopchoir]

Originally Posted by Marc

but I don't see the thinking behind choose Bellamy over him.

Because Bellamy is a better footballer simple really

[davepuma]

Originally Posted by Coffin

That is an absolutely awful view to have. Sorry.

David Beckham has played football all his life and been a professional for over 20 years; since '92. He's played professionally in England, Italy and Spain, which are certainly the strongest Leagues in the sport

That he chose to go and play in another country and environment at the age of 32 is entirely his decision

So you want Beckham the 'personality' to be picked as opposed to Beckham the player? Sorry but that's an awful view to have. If Team GB want to do anything in the tournament they have to select the best players and I'm afraid Beckham isn't one of them any more.

I'm sure he will turn up in some role or another whether he's any good at it or not. His name/face etc. is golden when it comes to marketing so I have no doubt he will be there even if it's not in a coaching capacity like Neville at the Euros.

[PU6HY]

Nothing wrong with Bellamy being picked above Beckham. Bellers is quality. Anybody who can't see that is blind. Beckham is a very good footballer. Can't deny that but he's getting on a bit now and without knowing the whole squad, how do you know he hadn't picked somebody who he thinks will do a better job than Becks? Bellamy plays in a different position anyway. No place for sentiment. It has to go on ability.
If the centre midfielders are cack when announced, come back and whinge then.

People are always quick to say things without knowing the full story.

[thfccambs]

Giggs being picked made me laugh, he couldn't even be bothered to play for Wales half the time.

Think there be plenty of empty seats at the GB games something that wouldn't happen if Beckham was playing.

[thfccambs]

Originally Posted by kopchoir

Because Bellamy is a better footballer simple really

Lol you do make me laugh.

[Abbeygoo]

Can Bellamy play the games within a short space of time considering his knee his totally ****ed?

[djdhrubs]

Originally Posted by PU6HY

Nothing wrong with Bellamy being picked above Beckham. Bellers is quality. Anybody who can't see that is blind. Beckham is a very good footballer. Can't deny that but he's getting on a bit now and without knowing the whole squad, how do you know he hadn't picked somebody who he thinks will do a better job than Becks? Bellamy plays in a different position anyway. No place for sentiment. It has to go on ability.
If the centre midfielders are cack when announced, come back and whinge then.

People are always quick to say things without knowing the full story.

No place for sentiment? In picking a team GB for the Olympics football tournament?!

If ever there was a place for sentiment in football, this was it!

[PU6HY]

Originally Posted by djdhrubs

No place for sentiment? In picking a team GB for the Olympics football tournament?!

If ever there was a place for sentiment in football, this was it!

There is no place for sentiment. Go into the tourney to win it or don't bother entering. Stop talking guff.

[Houghsx]

People actually care about football at the olympics?

[PU6HY]

Not really but whatever standard of football you play, you pick the best players and play to win surely?

[Papcx]

Originally Posted by Houghsx

People actually care about football at the olympics?

You think pycho pierce doesn't care?

[jabintendo]

what was the point putting him in the shortlist if you were not going to pick him?

[kopchoir]

Originally Posted by jabintendo

what was the point putting him in the shortlist if you were not going to pick him?

To tickle his goldenballs

[Bonessi]

Pearce has said all along he was picking on form. He has also said he wants defensive cover. He chose a defender, a midfielder and a striker, not a striker and two midfielders.

His choice is sound given most prem managers said no to involvement anyway.

Beckham clearly should not have gone above anyone else because of anything else other than form. DB didn't have that form, simple as...

Pearce wants to win, nothing else. This is not a flag waving sing song for him, no chance.

[Amph]

I know a lot of people are indifferent or see no point in the Olympic team, but for me it's a chance to see our young players (and 3 "oldies") play international football without the restrictions of their different nations expectations. I'm right behind them and the romantic in me likes the thought of them all getting along together.

[Crocodile]

I totally agree with the notion of giving an ageing, wealthy, well past his prime, high profile personality a crack at an Olympic medal based purely on sentimentality.

So lets start a campaign to give Lord Seb a place in the 800m...