Beckham would have made Games exciting! Twitter reacts to GB squad

Stuart Pearce has announced his 18-man Great Britain squad for the Olympic Games football tournament, and as expected, David Beckham was the noticeable omission.

Instead, Craig Bellamy, Ryan Giggs and Micah Richards will make up the Over-23 contingent allowed in the squad, and the confirmation was greeted with a mixed reaction on Twitter.

Greg Marah (‏@gmarah26) is more ticked off about Pearce’s failure to include Huddersfield’s Jordan Rhodes: “Mr Pearce, dropping Beckham I accept, but not picking Jordan Rhodes is an abomination. He scored more goals than your whole squad last season!”

But Adam Hunter ‏(@AdHunter1984) wants to know where all the Scottish and Northern Irish players are: “Strange looking Olympic squad chosen by Stuart Pearce – not only has he left Beckham out but he’s not included any Scots or Northern Irish players!”

And Justin Rice ‏(@J87RICE) is similarly bemused: “Where are the Irish and Scottish players in that Olympic team? With no Beckham as well! Disgraceful Pearce. #TeamGB”

While Martin Coleman ‏(@Chivsy123) has a more cynical view on why Bellamy and Giggs are in the squad: “Pearce doesn’t select Beckham for footballing reasons, but selects Bellamy and Giggs – not to sell tickets for the game at the Millenium [Stadium]? #boopearce”

Ross McArthur ‏(@rossko69) can’t see GB game at Hampden Park selling out now: “Good luck trying to sell the tickets for the games at Hampden now after Pearce’s squad is announced. He really is a foolish person.”

And Aileen Muir (‏@superpooky) sends a warning shot to the Olympic organisers after Beckham’s exclusion: “It appears Pearce thinks this Olympic football is important. No one cares! We might’ve cared a bit more if Beckham had played.#olympics”

But The Real Essex Boy (‏@liamafcmatthews) is more annoyed by Kieran Gibbs’ omission: “What a mug Stuart Pearce is! Leaving the golden boy becks out! Oh and GIBBS! #teamgb”

While, Noah James (‏@NoahJames11) wants to know why Bellamy is in the 18-man squad and not Beckham: “How is Bellamy in better form than DB? Why is Pearce GB manager? Why is his selection so poor?! Questions questions questions! #Olympics”

And Lynette Dobson ‏(@bluenettle) reckons the tournament would have been more exciting with Beckham involved: “Stuart Pearce is under the mistaken impression that winning the Olympics football is more important than our enjoyment of the tournament. It’s not.”

A rare vote of confidence for Pearce from Jordyyy ‏(@JordNffc_JCole): “So glad Pearce picked the Olympics squad on footballing principles and not on who a player is!”

And Mark Henty (‏@MarkHenty) is also in the minority: “Pearce has selected a decent squad for the Olympics: “Richards, Taylor, Cleverley, Giggs, Ramsay, Bellamy and Sturridge. No Beckham :-)”

Meanwhile, Chris Rees ‏(@Bravodinho) is looking more to the long-term: “I’ve got to agree with Pearce. Tournament football can only benefit a players development. Top pre-season! #hitthegroundrunning #teamGB”

He certainly has, Sara ‏(@Sara_156): “Well done Stuart Pearce mate, you got balls!!!”

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Read more on: craig bellamy, david beckham, London 2012, micah richards, ryan giggs, stuart pearce, Team GB.