'David Beckham was desperate to play in my squad, but I didn't want to bring him along and waste the FA’s money: I had to pick the strongest players': Great Britain coach reflects on Becks snub as 'one of the toughest decisions' of his career

David Beckham is inconsolable after England's World Cup 2002 exit at the hands of Brazil.

Stuart Pearce faced monumental backlash over his decision to omit David Beckham from his Team GB squad at London 2012 – with many feeling Becks' campaigning efforts to help London win the bid in the first place warranted him a squad number.

“The one thing you do know about David Beckham is he's very passionate about playing for his country,” Pearce tells FourFourTwo now. “On top of that, he was very passionate about wanting to represent the GB Olympic team at London 2012.