Head coach Stuart Pearce, no doubt mindful of the fact that Beckham (pictured) will not be at the 2012 European Championships, included the former England captain – 37 next month – in his revised squad cut from the original 191 candidates.

The final 18-man party will be announced at the end of May.

Significantly, several non-English players are still in contention for places despite fierce opposition from the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Associations who are completely opposed to participation for fear of losing their individual status in world football.

Gareth Bale, arguably the most sought-after left-sided player in world football, is one of those still included in the 80-strong party.

So far, more than 50,000 tickets have been sold for the opening game at Old Trafford on July 26.

Team GB and the rest of those involved will learn their group stage opponents at the official draw at Wembley next Tuesday (April 24)

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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