Chance there for Beckham

Veteran midfield star could get one final fling at Olympic glory on his home turf

Stuart Pearce will fly to the United States to watch David Beckham play for Los Angeles Galaxy on May 2 before selecting his 18-man squad for the London Olympics, the British team coach said on Tuesday.

Ex-England captain Beckham, who will turn 37 on the day Pearce watches him in Seattle, is widely expected to be one of the three over-age players in the Under-23 Olympic squad, but Pearce said he would select players solely on form and fitness.

"David Beckham will be treated exactly the same as any other individual, whether it is young or over-age," he said.

"Form and fitness will dictate what the make-up of the squad will be. David falls into the same category. I have a duty of care to the Great Britain squad to try and win a gold medal. I will pick the strongest possible squad I can.

"I will know a bit more when I go to the States to see what form he is in.

"He's made the shortlist and he has been a great ambassador for this country and the Olympics, but that's no recommendation that he will get in the squad and that's fair and square across the board for all players."

Brazilian Ronaldo, who played with Beckham at Real Madrid, reckoned the former Manchester United player should be picked for Britain's Olympic team with his England career now over.

"David Beckham is a great player and a great friend of mine," said Ronaldo, who won a bronze medal for Brazil at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics before winning the World Cup in 2002.

"I'm sure he would love to participate in this Olympic dream. It's up to the manager to pick the best team available, but if I was the manager I definitely would as he would guarantee quality.

"Beckham is a real calm guy and a team player and despite his status and fame he is actually very humble. Never during my time at Real Madrid did I hear anyone complain about him and he would help with the younger players.

"He's still playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy and only last week scored a beautiful goal from outside the box into the top corner, he really looks after himself, so despite his age I really think he could contribute."

Pearce is also England caretaker manager and might still lead the side in the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine in June.

Reuters in London