London: Former England captain David Beckham has been left out of the Great Britain Olympic football squad by head coach Stuart Pearce.

Beckham said: "Naturally I am very disappointed, but there will be no bigger supporter of the team than me."

"I would have been honoured to have been part of this unique Team GB squad. Like everyone, I will be hoping they can win the gold."

According to the Times, Pearce, who watched Beckham play for LA Galaxy in the United States last week, has selected Manchester City defender Micah Richards ahead of him.

Beckham made coach Stuart Pearce's shortlist of 35 players but was overlooked for the final 18-man squad as one of three players over the age of 23 allowed to compete in the Olympics, reported Xinhua.

Pearce rang Beckham Wednesday night to tell him he wanted more defensive cover in the squad. Richards has been included alongside Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs and Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy as the three over-age players.

Team GB have been drawn in Group A at London 2012 alongside Senegal, Uruguay and United Arab Emirates.

They play Senegal at Old Trafford July 26, the United Arab Emirates at Wembley July 29 and Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium August 1. (IANS)