After playing a prominent role in promoting London's bid for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Beckham (pictured above, right) had been expected to be given one of the three over-age spots but was controversially omitted by head coach Stuart Pearce from the squad which warms up for the Games in Middleborough tonight with a friendly against Brazil.

Pearce opted to select Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards, and Neville (pictured above, left) said: "There will be people who will argue that David does deserve a position in the GB team for helping to bring the Games here.

"But I think David wanted to be selected on his own merits, for his talent, skill and ability.

"He goes beyond football in his reach around the world and selection for a football team is different from the ambassadorial role he has.

"I've spoken to David and he's disappointed.

"He wanted to be part of it.

"It was a dream of his.

"This would have been a great occasion for him."

"I'm disappointed for him as a friend, but professionally I can understand that there are difficult decisions to be made.

"The manager has to select the squad he wants – and he didn't want David in.

"A manager has to make tough decisions.

"You have to respect that."

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