David Beckham's Olympic dream remains intact after he survived the latest cut to Stuart Pearce's GB squad.
Pearce has slashed his 191-strong long-list to 80 players, who are now being contacted by the Football Association to confirm they remain in contention.
Beckham is the most notable figure and it remains highly likely the former England skipper, 37 next month, will be one of three over-age players in Pearce's final 18-man squad when it is confirmed at the end of May.
Having played such a pivotal role in getting the Olympics to London in the first place, it would be a suitable reward, although others may argue it could weaken British hopes of a gold medal.
Representatives from all four Home Nations are in the latest squad, including Gareth Bale, Craig Bellamy, Steven Fletcher and Chris Brunt and the FA remain optimistic non-English players will accept a chance to play in a major tournament on home soil.
However, the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish FA's are completely opposed to participation and whilst they accept there is no legal basis to bar selection, dire warnings about future existence of national teams are bound to be made.
Arsenal's Jack Wilshere has been ruled out through injury but former Chelsea star Joe Cole, currently on loan at Lille, is amongst the potential over-age players, whilst Birmingham's Jack Butland, Chelsea's Josh McEachran and Crystal Palace's Nathaniel Clyne are amongst those who meet the Under-23 criteria.
Knowledge that Beckham could still be in the squad and appear in competitive games in the UK for possibly the last time, should help push ticket sales which, for GB games, are said to be strong.
In excess of 50,000 have been sold for the opening game at Old Trafford on July 26 and a double-header friendly featuring both the men's and women's teams will be confirmed for the north-east at some stage over the next few weeks.
GB will learn their three group stage opponents at the official draw on Tuesday, although it is likely they will be kept apart from fellow European contenders Spain, who are almost certain to include Manchester United keeper David de Gea, Switzerland and Belarus, plus Brazil, who will almost certainly be a fellow top seed.
Argentina, USA and Australia are amongst the most notable teams who have not qualified but the presence of Uruguay, Mexico and New Zealand should generate wider interest.
The final place in the men's competition will be decided at Coventry on Monday, when Senegal take on Oman in a play-off.
what do you think?
Gavin Nellis
Behave, why the hell should this guy be in an olympic team,the guy doesnt live in britain,doesnt play in britain and is taking the place of someone who deserves the place
Alan Todd
Bruce Beckham never was any good at open play all he can do is kick a dead ball,why he should be in the squad when he lives and plays in America is beyond me.
Christopher Hodson
It puts into question the managers judgement on a BRITISH team. It is rubish to say that a player has contributed so much to getting us to the olympics. Since when was a publicity stunt etc. been a passport to being in the GB Olympic team. I thought we did this on merit and patriotism.Perhaps the wrong management was selected for the GB Team
aa aa
It's the old boys network at it again. Look at Trevor Brooking, on the FA board. Noithing special as a player, or in any other capacity, but well in with the old brigade. As is our hero, Mr B. He'll be joining Trev, soon, and the knighthood will shortly follow. The self serving Beckhams hardly deserve the plaudits they get. He's an ex pat. She's an ex , whatever. Pretty useless , unless you are an advertiser, and that's all they are. A commodity.
Gavin Nellis
strange everyone saying the same thing and lots of negative votes not sure i understand that one
Martin Massey
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Steven James Farmer
Becks maybe 37 but hes still one of the best players england has.
aa aa
Still...????. he never was. But you are correct on one point, he is 37.
Name witheld
12:01pm on 18/4/2012
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