David Beckham is eyeing a place in the Team GB football team at the London Olympics in 2012. The LA Galaxy star, without an international appearance since October 2009, told the BBC: "Decisions are still to be made but I'd love to be part of it. "I'm an East End lad and being English born and bred, it would be something I'd be very honoured to be part of." Olympic squads are predominantly made up of under 23 players, but teams can include up to three overage stars. Beckham, aged 36, is keen to earn one of those slots. The ex-Manchester United man has been capped 115 times by England. The English FA has been put in charge of managing Team GB. The British Olympic Association would like to see a side that fully represents the United Kingdom, but it is likely the squad will be heavily built around the England Under 21 setup. Beckham continued: "Football will be a massive part of the Olympics and it will be really exciting to see that. "This is the first time I will have been to an Olympics and I'll probably be there with my children. "Football has been a part of my life for many years and to be a part of that would be incredible. We'll see what role I'll play in the build-up or at the Olympics, but I'll be there as a fan. "I want to watch athletes like Jessica Ennis and Tom Daley, young athletes who are going to inspire so many young children around the world. For myself to be able to take my sons to an Olympics in our country makes me proud. Hopefully my daughter will be there as well." Beckham played a key role in the bid process and securing the Games for London. He emphasised his pride at his involvement. He said: "When I was asked to be part of the Olympic bid I was very sceptical at first because I'd never competed in the Olympics, I'm a football player. "The moment when we got the Olympics was one of the most rewarding things of my career. The Olympics means the world to everyone. It's such a great event to be part of. "There will be some exciting athletes coming to our country, coming to London which is where I grew up. It's a very exciting prospect."
I wish he would ****ing retire full stop. I know he has still got his eye on Shiltons cap record, biding his time until Redknapp gets in charge, who I'm sure will bung him a few more undeserved caps. Most overrated player in Englands history IMO.
Its Team England if you dont mind, you are not representing Wales,Scotland or Northern Ireland Thanks in advance
Beckham is becoming rather sad. He's been out of top class football for four years now and this season is increasingly struggling to convince in the MLS. Of course he would like to be involved in the Olympic team. It will be a massive PR opportunity for him and his brand. His management company will push and promote for his inclusion for all it's worth' His best chance is that all the top internationals will be involved in the Euros and there are overage players in the squad, which in itself is a nonsense. It doesn't happen in the women's game. And the idea of Beckham plodding around with a bunch of kids young enough to be his own children is all a bit embarrassing really.
I'm afraid not. The respective FA's have no right or decision in who plays for Team GB, all they can do is voice their concern and hope that their players even slightly care. Given that a number of welsh players have already expressed that they'd like to play for Britain it's almost guaranteed to be a Great Britain team. It's a one-off tournament so I couldn't care less if Beckham plays. I'd have preferred it to be an amateur side of players not playing within their respective FA's, but if it's going to be a pro tournament then why not let him bow out on this stage? For anyone that doesn't keep up with MLS or didn't watch his match in the Neville testimonial, he's still got it and he can still spray the ball about wherever he wants. It's a skill he'll probably not lose when he eventually retires.
Who said they're representing England, either? I'm English, have lived in Scotland for 43 years and I sure as hell don't want a Team GB. I don't even want a Jock in the England physio team. They'd only bang on and on with their urban myth about commentators going from calling them Brits to calling them Scots when they lose, blah blah mcblah zzzzzzz bydaway. Thanks in advance.
