Beckham was the most high-profile omission from the team, with Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards awarded the three allocated over-23 spots.

And Pearce has stressed that the 'uniqueness' of the Games meant he could not take the selection process lightly.

"It has not been an easy task to finalise my squad for this tournament, and the stature of the competition and uniqueness of the occasion has underlined the importance of every choice I have made," Pearce told reporters.

"With just 18 places it is very different from other international tournaments, the options are limited, but it is the Olympic Games and every player in this squad should be very proud they have a chance to compete for a gold medal on home soil.

"I have to be comfortable when I get in my bed at night that I made decisions that are solely on footballing grounds alone, nothing else.

"Not on personality, not on who I like as individuals - which David (Beckham) would certainly feature on very highly as an individual that I respect and like.

"I can only ever stand in front of you people today and say this is the squad that I believe is the strongest squad that is available for me to select."

British Olympic Association chef de mission Andy Hunt said Pearce was the right man to lead the team.

"After a 52-year absence from the Olympic Games, it is fantastic to welcome the men's football squad to Team GB for London 2012," Hunt said.

"Representing your country at the Olympic Games is a very unique, special experience and I am sure this talented and determined group of men's footballers will play a full part as members of Team GB at our home Olympic Games.

"The squad selected possesses a good blend of youth and experience, with 16 of the 18 selected athletes playing their football at the very highest level in the Premier League last season.

"In Stuart Pearce they have an experienced and passionate manager and I am sure the younger players will learn a lot from their time with Team GB at the Olympic Games."