Neville understands Beckham omission

The former England captain, a close friend and former Manchester United team-mate of Neville, failed to get one of the three over-age places in the squad.

"We live in a man's world. You have to front up when you get disappointments," Neville said in the Daily Star.

"The manager has to select the squad he wants – and he didn't want David in. A manager has to make tough decisions. You have to respect that."

Neville reckons Beckham would not have wanted to be selected based on his heavy involvement in the bid to bring the Games to London.

He added: "We're talking about Stuart Pearce and David Beckham, two brilliant professionals over 15 or 20 years, who wouldn't look at any reasons other than football reasons.

"There will be people who argue that he does deserve a position in the GB team for helping to bring the Games here.

"But I think David wanted to be selected on his own merits, for his talent, skill and ability. I spoke to him and he's disappointed. He wanted to be part of it.

"It was a dream of his. He loves representing his country and he never retired from playing for England. This would have been a great occasion for him. So I'm disappointed for him as a friend, but professionally I can understand that there are difficult decisions to be made."