• London Olympics 2012

Sven stunned by Beckham snub

ESPN staff
July 1, 2012
David Beckham was an England regular under Sven Goran Eriksson © Getty Images
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Sven Goran Eriksson has admitted his surprise at David Beckham's exclusion from Great Britain's football squad for the London 2012 Olympics.

Beckham, 37, has been overlooked by coach Stuart Pearce as one of his three players that are over the age of 23, with Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards instead reportedly selected.

The LA Galaxy midfielder was expected to be included, having played a pivotal role in promoting London's bid for the Games, and former England manager Eriksson believes he deserved to be named in the 18-man party.

The Swede told BBC Five Live's Sportsweek: "I haven't seen Beckham play for a long time but I think David should anyhow be there because it is the Olympic Games, it is Great Britain, it is England, it is London.

"So I would have picked him, put him on the bench at the very least. I hope he will be involved in some way in the Olympic Games, it's important."

He added: "It's a difficult one but David is an icon, he should be involved in the Olympic Games in some way. If he can't be in the football team I hope he can be involved in some other way."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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