2012 Olympics: Beckham snubbed from Great Britain team

David Beckham holding the torch. (Photo By TOBY MELVILLE/REUTERS)

David Beckham is arguably one of the greatest sports icons of the modern era and whether your English or not, it’s hard not to love the stylish, confident, and legendary soccer player. Since his first appearance in the early 90s at Manchester United, Beckham has been an innovator on and off the field becoming one of the most highly endorsed, contracted, and iconic names in the world. From fragrances to films, the Londoner’s name has dominated pop culture the last decade along with the help of the ultra-popular Brit “Posh Spice” as his business partner and wife. Beckham has been an Ambassador for England and is personal friends with the Royal Family making appearances at international events like the Queen’s Honorary Banquet where he sat along side President Barrack Obama. David Beckham’s positive impact for his sport and country makes him a true British and global icon. SO WHY WOULD HE BE LEFT OUT OF THE GREAT BRITAIN OLYMPIC TEAM?

Soccer in the Olympics allows countries to select three members over the age of 23 to join the squad for the tournament; veteran players who have experience on an international level usually fill these spots. It was announced this past weekend that David Beckham would be left out of the 18 players selected to represent Great Britain in the 2012 Olympics. Instead of Becks, head coach Stuart Pearce selected Micah Richards from Manchester City along with Welshmen Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy.

At age 24 defender Micah Richards is the youngest of the three and played with Premier League Champions Manchester City this year appearing 29 times for the club. Giggs at age 38 was unable to finish the season at Manchester United due to injuries and has been on the verge of retirement for the past few seasons. The 32-year-old Craig Bellamy had a comeback end to the year scoring nine goals in 33 appearances with Liverpool. All three selections can provide tactical advantages, but snubbing Beckham from the squad seems foolish from a stance on and off the field.

Not having Beckham on the Great Britain squad is a mistake.

David Beckham is currently in season with LA Galaxy and has three goals and four assists in 15 appearances. After helping the Galaxy win the 2011 MLS Cup, Beckham returned to Los Angles for the 2012 season and has been on one of the his healthiest playing stretches in recent years. Beckham’s lethal free kicks are still the best in the world and his presence on the pitch continues to cause havoc for defenses. Beckham may not fit into Pearce’s picture-perfect starting eleven, but having a man with over one hundred international appearances (including captaincy) for England in the locker room would be positive for a young squad on a big stage. Outside of what goes on the field, having David Beckham on the team will help promote the games, sell more tickets, and earn more viewers. Ask MLS if being able to promote David Beckham in American Soccer has helped boost the league’s popularity in the last five years.

Giggs, Bellamy, and Richards can help the team, but David Beckham has a priceless affect on teams and tournaments that no player on British soil can provide. Doesn’t it make sense to give a man who has given so much to his country one last shot to lead the Brits to gold? Leaving David Beckham out of the Great Britain squad is a mistake from the host nation that hopefully will not be a continuous negative theme on and off the field as July 27^th looms.

IT SEEMS BECKS LET OUT SOME FRUSTRATION FROM THE REJECTION IN LAST NIGHT’S CALIFORNIA CLASICO.