Liverpool legend John Barnes has backed Stuart Pearce's decision to ignore David Beckham for his Team GB squad.

Barnes, who won 79 caps between 1983 and 1995, believes the 37-year-old LA Galaxy midfielder is simply not good enough to make the squad.

"If you look at it from the point of view of winning the Olympics, then Stuart will know what he wants from his team," Barnes told Radio 5 Live.

"David's been a fantastic ambassador and a great player, but if you're only allowed three overage players, then Craig Bellamy, Ryan Giggs and Micah Richards would warrant their place more than him.

"From a political point of view given the role he played in bringing the Olympics here, it would be great had he been there.

"But as a coach you have to pick the best squad that will enable you to win and that's why Stuart has made that decision.

"The Olympics is about winning and you're belittling that if you say let's throw a spectacle by picking someone more popular. That belittles the Olympic ideal of excellence.