Pearce explains Becks snub

British Olympic football coach Stuart Pearce said no manager “picks on sentiment” as he explained why David Beckham had been left out of his squad for the London 2012 Games.

Pearce, himself an ex-England defender, unveiled his 18-man squad yesterday with veteran Man. United midfielder Ryan Giggs, Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy and Man. City defender Micah Richards occupying the three over-age places.

“ I was given the job to manage as I normally would, looking on form, fitness of players and I deemed this the best squad available for this tournament,” said Pearce.

“I have a vast amount of respect for David and what he has done to bring the Olympics here. I have treated all the players in the same manner. I have given plenty of time to view each player’s form and this is the squad I have come up with.

“I don’t think there’s a football manager around who picks on sentiment.”