David Beckham – The ‘Grand Old Man’ of Football?

At 37, he can probably be considered the grand old man of English football – not that he’d thank you for the analogy!

David Beckham is the most-capped outfield player in England football history – and his time may not be over yet.

As one of the over 23s on Stuart Pearce’s provisional list for the Great Britain team at London 2012, he may still have his part to play on the international stage.

Beckham’s inclusion in the Olympic squad has caused much debate among football fans the length and breadth of the land…but this ambassador for the sport has hit back at suggestions he is only there to sell shirts and put bums on stadium seats.

Countless Titles and Awards

Beckham, with 115 caps to his name and countless titles and awards as a player on two continents, is adamant he can still bring something to the game.

Renowned for his accurate passes and free kicks, Beckham might not have the pace of his younger self, but is still a major player on the pitch.

Still a regular for LA Galaxy since crossing the Atlantic in 2007, the Essex boy from Leytonstone is desperate to prolong his career as long as possible…and make his mark on an Olympic stage that few have had the opportunity to grace.

Manager Pearce has to whittle down his shortlist of 35 to a final 18 by July 6.

The Team GB chief has recently been in Los Angeles to watch Beckham in action.

It is rumoured he is in favour of reuniting Becks with his former Manchester United teammate Ryan Giggs, who is also thought likely to be one of the over 23s picked to represent Great Britain.

The third player in the frame is Liverpool’s Craig Bellamy.

Best of Beckham

• Six Premier League titles with Manchester United
• Two FA Cups with Man U
• UEFA Champions League with Man U
• Spanish La Liga title with Real Madrid
• Supercopa de España with Real Madrid
• U.S. league MLS Cup with LA Galaxy
• UEFA Club Footballer of the Year
• BBC Sports Personality of the Year
• First England player to score at 3 world cups
• First British footballer to play 100 champions league games
• Second Englishman ever to win league titles in 3 countries
• Member of the English Football Hall of Fame
• Order of the British Empire
• UN Goodwill Ambassador
• London Olympics Ambassador

Nicki Williams is a football fanatic who will be very disappointed if David Beckham doesn’t make the cut.

She works for Gear-Zone, specialists in sportswear including football, rugby, cricket, tennis and fitness gear.

Tags: David Beckham, LA Galaxy, Manchester United Transfers, Olympics, Real Madrid, Stuart Pearce, Team GB