David Beckham: Included in Pearce's plans for next summer's Olympics

Stuart Pearce has revealed former England captain David Beckham is involved in his plans for the Great Britain football team at the Olympic Games next summer.

The team's coach Pearce, when asked about the inclusion of the midfielder, said: "He's certainly on a long list of people, yes."

Olympic rules state countries can only select a maximum of three players over the age of 23 and Beckham has already expressed his desire to take part.

Pearce said: "The players will know very shortly. We're in the process of putting a long list out which can be added to in due course but at the moment it's quite a substantial list and those players will be acutely aware that they are on the list for the GB team.

"They will have to sign a form putting forward their participation within that and putting themselves forward for selection so the players will know themselves and the clubs will be aware very shortly of who is on that list of players."

Pearce confirmed Beckham is part of that long list.

Controversy

There has been controversy surrounding a British team, with opposition coming from the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish Football Associations, who fear the dilution of their independent status within FIFA if they join forces with their English counterparts.

The involvement of England Under-21 players at the senior Euro 2012 tournament could also affect selection for the Olympic Games, with several players including Jack Wilshere, Phil Jones, Danny Welbeck and Kyle Walker likely to feature for the senior side.

"Obviously if players are going to the European Championship with the senior team then we would have to take a considered view nearer the time in respect to a week or two weeks later they contribute to the GB team," Pearce said.

"We'll approach that nearer the time and see how form and fitness is for the players who are on the long list that we are about to put out."