Published: Today at 00:23
DAVID BECKHAM has proved he has lost none of his class or fight — whatever Stuart Pearce may think.
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Goldenballs received the devastating news last week when Team GB boss Pearce told him there was no room in his Olympics squad for him.
So it was typical of Becks, 37, to show Pearce exactly what he will be missing with a stunning ‘Up Yours’ trademark free-kick goal for LA Galaxy against San Jose on Saturday.
And if that was not enough, he later showed his passion still burns by wanting to ruck with opposition players in an extraordinary end to the game.
Pearce will face a barrage of questions about Beckham today when he officially announces his squad at Wembley.
Those backing Psycho rubbish the MLS division as weak but Becks has launched a strong defence of football in America.
He said: “In the last five years we’ve seen the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United coming over here to spend their pre-season playing MLS teams.
“That tells you something because you don’t get the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson or Jose Mourinho bringing their teams over if it’s not competitive. It’s great for fans.
“For the supporters to see Rooney and Ronaldo — those are the best in the world.
“The young kids see them play and to be able to play against these teams is a real honour.
“The differences in levels are not that different.
“The level of play has gone up in the last five years, The fact that Thierry Henry, Rafa Marquez and Robbie Keane are coming into this league shows there is more of a competitive edge coming into this game in this part of the world.”
Beckham’s latest view of his American Dream was aired by a US radio station last week, days before Pearce shattered his Olympic hopes. He insists he has no intention of hanging up his boots yet.
He said: “I feel there is a lot left in the tank.
“Yes I’m 37 but I love waking up in the morning and look forward to training.
“When that changes I’ll realise it’s time to stop.
“I still enjoy being out there and playing. I still want to continue to be successful, work hard and to also help young players we have in the team become better.
“Me being on the field helps them in a way that can give them my experience that I have gained in the last 20 years. I still feel like I have a good few years left.”
Ryan Giggs is gutted his former Manchester United pal will not be lining up alongside him when Team GB open their Olympic account against Senegal at Old Trafford on July 26.
The Welsh star: “I’m disappointed for him, but he’ll take it on his chin and carry on with his career. It’s one of those things that wasn’t meant to be.
“It’s Stuart Pearce’s job to pick a team that he thinks can win. That’s what he’s done — unfortunately David’s not in that 18.
“Like I said, as a friend I wish he was, but I’m sure the lads who are picked will go out and do the best they can.”
Former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson reckons Becks should have been picked.
He said: “He’s an icon, he should be involved in the Olympic Games in some way.”
Becks scored his stunner against San Jose in front of a 50,000 crowd but could not prevent the Galaxy throwing away the lead and losing 4-3 in a thriller.
His temper boiled over at the end when team-mates had to pull him away from San Jose players after he kicked a ball at one of them having treatment in the area. He picked up a booking for hitting the player.
Pearce will today explain why he decided to end Beckham’s international career.
He rang the former England skipper on Wednesday night to inform him.
It has been suggested that with Kyle Walker and Chris Smalling ruled out through injury, Pearce felt he had to include Manchester City’s Micah Richards.
And it seems Pearce had already decided Wales duo Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy would be in his team.
The decision has created a huge amount of debate and controversy.
Some feel Becks should have been selected as a reward for the pivotal role he played in getting the Games to London.
In addition, his presence would help shift the estimated 1million tickets still available for the football tournament.
Others think such a move would completely devalue Britain’s first Olympics appearance since 1960.
Pearce’s squad are due to spend a short time at a training camp in Spain before they take on tournament favourites Brazil — complete with superstar forward Neymar — in a warm-up game at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium on July 20.
After opening their campaign against Senegal, they take on the United Arab Emirates (Wembley, July 29) and Uruguay (Cardiff, August 1).
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